Rio Paralympics: Aussie Kurt Fearnley’s guide for who to follow on social media during the Games

THE Rio Paralympics are not far away and for all the latest action direct from Brazil, Kurt Fearnley has your guide to the personalities you should be following on social media.

Amanda Reid, Torita Isaac, Kyle Bridgewood, Kurt Fearnley, Nic Beveridge, Ahmed Kelly, Alex Lisney and Jessica Gallagher for the Uniform Launch for the 2016 Australian Paralympic Team. Picture: Tim Hunter.

THE Rio Paralympics are set to kick off in less than a week. For all the latest action direct from Rio, here is my guide to some cracking Paralympic personalities you should be following on social media.

For all Rio Paralympic info follow the official Aussie team account @AUSParalympics, the guru of all Australian Paralympic sports news.

Kate McLoughlin (@KateMcLoughlin4) is our Chef de Mission. I’ve known Kate for many years and she is a tireless advocate for the Paralympic movement.

Amazing sunrise from @Paralympics Village.Big day ahead getting set to welcome our 336 strong @AUSParalympics team! pic.twitter.com/99O5zUW2zp

— Kate McLoughlin (@katemcloughlin4) August 29, 2016

10 AUSSIE ATHLETES TO FOLLOW

Liesl Tesch AM (@LieslTesch) the 5x Paralympian and multiple wheelchair basketball medallist tasted gold for the first time in London 2012 in the Mixed Two Person Sailing SKUD18. She is back to take to the seas again and attempt to defend the title. A whirlwind of energy, love her to bits!

Heya @IzzyFolau Thanx SO much4supporting the @AUSParalympics Team! Us #Paralympians r cheering 4u @qantaswallabies pic.twitter.com/HKkciziM74

— Liesl Tesch AM (@LieslTesch) August 14, 2016

Dylan Alcott (@DylanAlcott) won gold in Beijing 2008 with the men’s wheelchair basketball team and silver in London 2012. Now with a new lease on competitive life he is a dominant force in wheelchair tennis.

Thanks for the warm up @AUSOlympicTeam !!! Now the real show begins in 17 days time #Paralympics #7Olympics pic.twitter.com/ELBvzxjMg2

— Dylan Alcott (@DylanAlcott) August 21, 2016

Ellie Cole (@EllievCole) had an amazing 2012 Olympics campaign taking home four gold and two bronze medals. Ellie is a bold leader of the swimming team and I can’t wait to see how she makes her mark in Rio.

Coming back from a broken neck is one of many reasons why @AnnaMeares is an inspiration. pic.twitter.com/nqGtMs9eQ8

— Ellie Cole (@EllieVCole) July 20, 2016

Brad Ness (@BradNess15) is the head of the honey badgers. There are few people I would follow blindly, this guy is one of them. A leader of the Aussie Rollers and the Paralympic movement.

Rollers captain @BradNess15 being interviewed by @sunriseon7 ahead of his fifth Paralympic Games. #WeBelieve pic.twitter.com/pdLuTpJlZA

— AUS Paralympic Team (@AUSParalympics) August 10, 2016

Curtis McGrath (@CurtMcGrath) is an amazing talent in the Paracanoe. He is headed into his first Paralympics after entering the Paralympic family following an injury whilst serving in the Australian Army in Afghanistan. A legend of a bloke and a red hot favourite to hit the podium.

I'm ready for the Games. #Rio2016 #Paralympics #ProudParalympian pic.twitter.com/8GFU8trkZj

— Curtis McGrath (@CurtMcGrath) July 26, 2016

Carol Cooke AM (@CazCooke) is a defending gold medallist from London 2012 in Cycling. A Canadian import from the mid 90s and much loved by her adopted Australian Paralympic team.

So proud to be a part of this amazing team. #webelieve #roadtorio https://t.co/q9250Yz7jD

— Carol Cooke AM (@CazCooke) August 29, 2016

Chad Perris (@chadperris) is another Paralympic rookie, but a silver and bronze medallist from the world championships in Doha. He is all personality and a great asset to the team. The man is affectionately known as “White Tiger”.

Today I was officially selected to be representing Australia in what will be my first Paralympic Games. Bring on Rio pic.twitter.com/hITNL0fYkr

— Chad Perris (@chadperris) August 2, 2016

Evan O’Hanlon (@evanohanlon) is the man I can’t wait to watch on the Rio Athletics track with five gold medals on the track over the past two Games. He hasn’t hit the Paralympic track without leaving with a Gold around his neck. The man is a giant of our sport.

Enough said. pic.twitter.com/0puEcZgJG7

— Evan O'Hanlon (@evanohanlon) July 19, 2016

Rheed McCracken (@RheedMcCracken) is the closest thing I have to a little brother. He shares the same coach, Andrew Dawes and I’ve seen Rheed grow from a shy young kid, to the young man I’m proud to call a good mate. He’s also a pretty handy babysitter as he’s been one for my two year old Harry for the last 12 months. A gold and silver medallist from London 2012, I look forward to seeing the young bloke go for gold.

Phelps, what a legend!!!! 22 Golds, can't wait to have a crack at One!!!!! #RoadToRio

— Rheed McCracken (@RheedMcCracken) August 12, 2016

Angie Ballard (@angie_ballard) has travelled the Paralympic journey with me since the early 90s. We debuted in Sydney 2000 and Angie has a bunch of silver and bronze medals to her name. Now she enters Rio as World Champion and World Record Holder in the 400m wheelchair.

Sunrise sessions in Florida #11daystogo #RoadtoRio pic.twitter.com/Q3kIuMeh3z

— Angie Ballard (@angie_ballard) August 27, 2016

If you are up for a more personal account of the games, follow @MicTurner100 as he will be live Tweeting each of my events, and @MossyandRobbo for amusing Paralympic coverage.

When @kurtfearnley found out he got to chat to us if he won the @GCMarathon, he was never in doubt!🎙👌🏼😜 #GCAM16 pic.twitter.com/yvHaSmT2rp

— Mossy and Robbo (@MossyandRobbo) July 3, 2016

For a less official voice from the Games, why not check in with @Fearnleyschair. Be prepared for some attitude as it has a mind and Twitter account of its own!

Originally published as Rio Paralympics: Aussie Kurt Fearnley’s guide for who to follow on social media during the Games