Lakeisha Patterson will compete in just one individual race at Tokyo Paralympics after battling illness

She was one of Australia’s most successful Paralympians in 2016 but health complications mean Lakeisha Patterson will compete in just one individual event in Tokyo.

She was Australia’s golden girl in the pool at Rio but health complications have forced Paralympic swimming star Lakeisha Patterson to pull out of all but one of her races.

Patterson, 22, was one of Australia’s most successful athletes at the 2016 Paralympics bringing home two gold, three silver and one bronze medal.

Between heats and finals Patterson competed in 16 races in Rio including the 50m freestyle, 100m freestyle, 200 individual medley, 100m backstroke, 100m butterfly and two relays.

She won the 400m freestyle event in world record time.

Swimmer Lakeisha 'Lucky' Patterson returned home with six medals from the 2016 Rio Paralympics. Photo Kyle Zenchyson / Caboolture News

Patterson also won this race in the World Para Swimming Championships in London in 2019.

So it is no surprise it is the race Patterson has chosen to keep on her schedule in Tokyo.

Patterson’s mum Sherryn said her daughter had dropped the extra races due to health issues.

“She has been extremely unwell but nevertheless she is fully prepared,” Ms Patterson said.

“She always rises above any challenges that come her way, all the athletes have faced different challenges during the pandemic, but a continuing regression in her condition has left her with a few health complications that have held her back.”

On top of her health issues Patterson has had to battle against the problems associated with the pandemic and lockdowns.

With the Burpengary Aquatic Centre closed for several weeks when the pandemic first broke out and during each snap Queensland lockdown Patterson had to get creative to keep her training going.

Paralympian Lakeisha Patterson has been awarded an OAM for her contribution to swimming. Picture: Chris Higgins

She took to swimming in friends’ and neighbours’ pools, training in open water at Pumicestone Passage near Bribie Island and installing a gym in her home, north of Brisbane.

While the goal was a spot on the podium in Tokyo it wasn’t her only drive to keep up her training.

“She needs to swim everyday to lessen her spasticity, it is paramount, otherwise she would be in a wheelchair,” Ms Patterson said.

Despite the extra challenges Patterson is still determined to earn a spot on the podium in Tokyo.

Lakeisha Patterson after winning the Women's S9 100m Freestyle Final on day four of swimming competition at the XXI Commonwealth Games at Gold Coast Aquatic Centre on the Gold Coast, Australia, Sunday, April 8, 2018. PHOTO: AAP /Dave Hunt

The S9 400m race is scheduled for August 25 – which is also Ms Patterson’s birthday.

Patterson told her mum she would try bring home a Gold medal as her birthday present but Ms Patterson isn’t too fussed.

“I’m just excited to see her race, after the challenging year that she has had,” Ms Patterson said.

“It is a lot of effort for a four-and-a-half minute race, some people would think she is crazy to put her body through what she has.

“She hasn’t had an Easter egg or chocolate for eight years, she is so committed and dedicated and very strict on what she eats, when she trains and how much sleep she gets.”

The Paralympics start on August 25, with the S9 400m freestyle the second race of the program.

Originally published as Lakeisha Patterson will compete in just one individual race at Tokyo Paralympics after battling illness