Jacqueline Freney

Jacqueline Freney is an Australian Paralympic swimmer, born on June 6, 1991, in Brisbane, Queensland. Freney is widely recognized as one of the most accomplished Paralympians of all time. She began her professional career competing in the 2007 IPC Swimming World Championships and later rose to prominence in the 2012 London Paralympics, where she won eight gold medals.

Freney is known for her incredible speed, strength, and versatility in the pool. She has won numerous individual awards, including the Australian Paralympian of the Year in 2012, and holds multiple records, such as the most gold medals won in a single Paralympics by an Australian.

Off the field, Freney is also recognized for her advocacy work for people with disabilities, inspiring millions worldwide.

Early Career

• Raised in the coastal town of Skennars Head, New South Wales, Freney began swimming at a young age. She made her international debut in 2007 at the IPC Swimming World Championships in Durban, South Africa.

2008 Beijing Paralympics

• Freney made her Paralympic debut in Beijing in 2008, winning a bronze medal in the 100m backstroke S7 event.

2012 London Paralympics

• Breakthrough Performance: In 2012, Freney had a historic performance at the London Paralympics, winning eight gold medals and setting two world records. This achievement made her the most successful athlete at the London Games and the most successful Australian at a single Paralympics.

Retirement

• Despite being selected for the 2016 Rio Paralympics, Freney was forced to withdraw due to health issues and subsequently announced her retirement from competitive swimming.

Australian Paralympic Team

• Debut: Made her debut for Australia in 2007 at the IPC Swimming World Championships.

Achievements:

• Beijing Paralympics: Bronze medalist in 2008.
• London Paralympics: Won eight gold medals in 2012, setting two world records.

• Events: Primarily competes in the freestyle, backstroke, and individual medley events.
• Skills: Known for her exceptional speed, agility, and technique. Freney is celebrated for her versatility and endurance in the pool.

• Advocacy: Freney is a passionate advocate for people with disabilities, particularly in the realm of sport. She often speaks publicly about her own experiences and the importance of inclusivity and accessibility in sport.

• Jacqueline Freney is celebrated not only for her extraordinary talent and numerous records but also for her resilience, determination, and advocacy in the world of Paralympic sport. Her impact on the sport and her status as an icon extend beyond the pool, inspiring millions of fans around the world.

Most Gold Medals in a Single Paralympics by an Australian:

• Eight gold medals at the 2012 London Paralympics

Australian Paralympian of the Year:

• Winner in 2012

Books

• Freney, J. (2013) Jacqueline Freney: 8 x Gold: My Journey to Eight Gold Medals at the Paralympics. Australia: Big Sky Publishing.

Websites

• Paralympics Australia: Information about Jacqueline Freney's career and achievements. Available at: https://www.paralympic.org.au
• IPC: Official site with updates on Freney's performance and records at IPC competitions. Available at: https://www.paralympic.org

Articles

• ABC News: Jacqueline Freney's career highlights and records. Available at: https://www.abc.net.au/news/jacqueline-freney/

Interviews and Documentaries

• ABC Interviews: Various interviews and features on Jacqueline Freney, covering different aspects of her career. Available at: https://www.abc.net.au