Australia’s para swimmers Jesse Aungles and Lakeisha Patterson deliver more gold

AUSTRALIA’S gold rush in the pool has continued thanks to para swimmers Jesse Aungles and world record breaking Lakeisha Patterson winning events after Australia’s men’s sprinters failed to fire.

AUSTRALIA’S gold rush in the pool has continued thanks to para swimmers Jesse Aungles and Lakeisha Patterson winning events after Australia’s sprinters failed to fire in the blue riband sprint.

Aungles won the SM8 200m medley final in 2:30.77, holding off fast-finishing teammate Blake Cochrane as the Aussies claimed the medley quinella.

Lakeisha Patterson hugs Ellie Cole of Australia after taking out gold.

Patterson, who stepped up from the S8 classification to compete in the S9 100m freestyle, sliced almost a second from her best to overhaul pre-race favourite Ellie Cole and Englishwoman Alice Tai to win and win in a world record time of 1:03.02.

Simply brilliant 🇦🇺 19yo Lakeisha Patterson! 👏💪 She wins gold in the S9 100m Freestyle with compatriot 🇦🇺 @EllieVCole taking bronze.#GC2018 #7CommGames pic.twitter.com/Rd4i0IWOns

— 7CommGames (@7CommGames) April 8, 2018

“I’ve got no words, I’m so excited,” Patterson said.

“It was definitely a challenge swimming up a classification.

Jesse Aungles of Australia celebrates victory in the Men's SM8 200m Individual Medley Final.

“I spoke to my coach beforehand and he said: ‘At the end of the day, it is another swimming race. Don’t worry about anyone else and focus on yourself.’ “That is what I tried to do with these amazing girls next to me.

Outstanding! 🇦🇺 Jesse Aungles clears away from the field to win gold in the SM8 200m Individual Medley. 🇦🇺 Blake Cochrane wins silver.#GC2018 #7CommGames pic.twitter.com/rs98D3322Y

— 7CommGames (@7CommGames) April 8, 2018

“I cannot thank my coach (Harley Connelly) highly enough and all of my family and friends that came to support me.

“It’s the first time my family have been able to watch me race at a major international competition.

Gold medallist Lakeisha Patterson and bronze medallist Ellie Cole a

“Hopefully I did them and Australia proud.”

Cole held the lead at the turn but Patterson stormed home to win gold, with Cole hanging on for bronze as both set new personal best times.

“It’s not often Australians get to see Paralympic sport, I think it is eye-opening for a lot of the Australian public,” Cole said.

“Hopefully some young kids with disabilities will see this and get in and give something a crack.”

Originally published as Australia’s para swimmers Jesse Aungles and Lakeisha Patterson deliver more gold