‘Scooter’ Patterson’s aiming for more than gold in Paris

Watch out, world: “Scooter” is on the loose in Paris.

Grant “Scooter” Patterson is a much-loved member of the Australian swimming team which will compete at the Paralympics, starting on Wednesday.

There are two sides to Patterson, who was born with diastrophic dysplasia. Ask anyone on the Dolphins team, and they’ll tell you all about the larrikin, all jokes and friendly banter, already lighting up the Paralympic village.

Late last week, Patterson zipped around the streets of Paris with Channel Nine’s Nick McArdle and a cameraman, cracking gags and soaking in the beauty of a city that has already sold close to 2 million tickets for the Paralympics.

Grant “Scooter” Patterson in Paris ahead of the Paralympics.Credit: Nick McArdle

Patterson’s tricycle, made in 2011 and weighing 4.5 kilograms, made it to Paris in one piece but, according to Patterson, in need of a “serious paint job”.

After making his Paralympic debut in London 2012, Patterson failed to qualify for Rio 2016, but made up for that disappointment at the 2020 Games in Tokyo – where he broke through for his first Paralympic medals, a silver in the 50m breaststroke SB2 and bronze in the SM3 150m individual medley.

The Cairns local, who entertained Australians during the COVID-19 lockdown with his hilarious television interviews, was even awarded keys to the city after his efforts in Tokyo.

“They took the keys off me. Too much naughtiness,” Patterson said with a laugh before swimming competition on Thursday.

“I got people yelling at me in the street, you know, since Tokyo. We turned into rock stars in one week.”

Patterson is officially off his favourite Canadian Club whisky and training hard in pursuit of a first Paralympic gold medal.

“I think I might wait until after Paris. I’m an old dog,” he said. “When I go out, I go too hard.”

The 35-year-old, who began swimming aged 11, wants to make a difference. The serious side of Patterson is passionate about seeing someone with the same disability compete one day at the Paralympics.

“One of my other goals is to try and get someone like me swimming before I retire. That’d be awesome,” Patterson said. “I saw one like me in 2000 and that’s about it. I didn’t know him, but I saw him on the TV. Let’s show off the Paralympics. We inspire the nation.”

Patterson has gained a reputation for responding to every message he receives, even if he’s in the middle of competition.

“My mum actually commended me on my message replying,” Patterson said. “To me, if you’re going to go out of your way to send me a good luck message, it’s in my best interest to get back and reply and say thanks.

Grant “Scooter” Patterson currently has two Paralympic medals to his name. Credit: Getty

“For them, getting a message back from someone who’s just raced on the TV overseas at the Paralympics, is pretty big. I do it to give them a bit of excitement.

“We all have a purpose in life. Who knows if I’m going to go get those gold medals, but at least I’m going to be able to share my story with the next generation out there. I want to inspire them to set their goals and share their dreams.”

Don’t expect Patterson to slow down any time soon. He’ll be lapping up the delights of Paris more than anyone in the Paralympic village, particularly if he has a successful meet.

“I just like to get out and have fun. That’s what it’s all about,” he said. “We’re only here for a short time. I tell that to the rookies too. Enjoy it while it lasts. You won’t be doing it forever.”

The Paris 2024 Paralympic Games is live and free on Channel 9, 9Gem and 9Now and ad-free on Stan Sport.