Freney’s golden Games continue

Only one medal was awarded to an NSWIS athlete on day six of the 2012 Paralympic Games, however it was no surprise to see that it was a gold medal being awarded to swimmer Jacqueline Freney, her sixth of the Games.

Freney continued her undefeated streak by taking gold in the women’s S7 50m freestyle, setting a new Paralympic record of 32.63 to win by over half a second from her nearest competitor. The swimming superstar has two events left on her schedule, the 400m freestyle and 4x100m medley relay.

The aquatic centre saw several NSWIS athletes in action on day six, including Matthew Levy, who finished fourth in the men’s S7 50m freestyle, Sean Russo, who finished sixth in the men’s S13 400m freestyle, and Maddison Elliott, who finished sixth in the women’s S8 100m backstroke. Andrew Pasterfield finished seventh in the men’s S10 100m backstroke, Reagan Wickens finished 16th in the men’s S6 50m freestyle, and Katrina Porter placed 14th in the women’s S7 50m freestyle.

The Australian women’s wheelchair basketball continued their march towards the medal matches with a convincing 62-37 victory over Mexico. NSWIS athletes Kylie Gauci, Katie Hill, Tina McKenzie and Sarah Stewart all took part in the win.

The wheelchair track & road events continued in London, with Kurt Fearnley and Christie Dawes in action. Fearnley finished seventh in the men’s T54 1500m, while Dawes, already a bronze medallist at the Games, qualified for the final of the women’s T54 800m.

Finally on day six, sailor Liesl Tesch extended her lead in the SKUD 18 class, while Stephen Churm and Jonathan Harris sit in fourth in the sonar class; Hannah Dodd finished 11th in the individual freestyle test: grade IV equestrian event to conclude her debut Paralympic campaign; Adam Kellerman bowed out of the men’s singles wheelchair tennis tournament, and the Australian women’s goalball team, featuring three NSWIS athletes, suffered a 5-8 loss to Sweden.