Gold Coast Bulletin Women of the Year by Harvey Norman nominee: Madeleine McTernan

Madeleine McTernan is a Paralympic silver medallist who is immensely proud to represent her country. See your latest Gold Coast Bulletin Women of the Year nominee.

Madeleine McTernan is a Paralympic silver medallist who is immensely proud to represent her country.

The 22-year-old is an S14 swimmer with an intellectual impairment living with autism spectrum disorder and is an active ambassador for people of all abilities.

Gold Coast Bulletin Women of the Year by Harvey Norman nominee Maddie McTernan Picture: Luke Marsden

The Gold Coast athlete is our latest nominee for Gold Coast Bulletin Women of the Year by Harvey Norman in the ‘Champions of Sport’ category.

As a finalist in last year’s awards Ms McTernan has since gone on to compete at the Oceania Asia Games where she won five gold medals, two silver and secured a new Oceania record.

At nationals this year she took home two more gold, the championship title and one bronze.

Ms McTernan said swimming saved her from years of high school bullying after her diagnosis at 12-years-old.

“When I was first diagnosed with my disability I never wanted it,” she said.

“I thought I was the only person who had this issue, but when I got into para swimming I realised there were other girls like me.

“It made me accept it and realise this is a part of who I am and I’m going to make the most out of it.

TOKYO, JAPAN. Ricky Betar, Benjamin James Hance, Ruby Storm and Madeleine McTernan of Team Australia pose during the medal ceremony for the Mixed 4x100m Freestyle Relay - S14 Final on day 4 of the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games at Tokyo Aquatics Centre on August 28, 2021 in Tokyo, Japan. Picture: Buda Mendes

“In year seven I had a rough year. I was bullied and harassed so when I found swimming that year it gave me an out, especially when I got into it competitively – it made me feel so much better and gave me happiness.”

Ms McTernan said she loved to challenge herself and help people and was now able to use her platform to raise money for different causes.

“Knowing that I’m challenging myself and it’s paying off to go to someone in need makes me really happy,” she said.

The athlete has raised money for Ride for Wishes, Starlight Children’s Foundation and Veteran Services while fundraising and guest speaking. She has been a guest of honour with Variety the Children’s Charity at the first Sport Activation Day for children with disabilities on the Gold Coast where she is an ambassador.

Ms McTernan said she hopes to be able to be a conduit of strength for other young women.

Madeleine McTernan at a pre competition camp in Chartres France, 2023. Picture: Swimming Australia

“I feel like I can stand up and show young girls going through something similar as to what I did that it’s okay – as long as you can keep your head up high and know that people picking on you have nothing better to do. Know that there’s something outside of school that can make you happy.”

Nominations close on August 1 followed by a glittering awards night dinner to announce the winners on September 16 at Star Gold Coast. For more information or to nominate visit www.womenoftheyear.com.au

Originally published as Gold Coast Bulletin Women of the Year by Harvey Norman nominee: Madeleine McTernan