‘Scooter’ still pushing to make Tokyo 2021
A POSTPONED Tokyo 2020 Paralympics has not slowed the determination and grit of Far North swimming legend Grant “Scooter” Patterson.
Alongside long-time coach and close mate Andrew “Herbie” Howard, Scooter this week accepted the fact that his dreams of another Paralympics tilt would need to wait for another 12 months.
The International Olympic Committee earlier this week announced the Tokyo 2020 Olympics will be postponed by one year due to the coronavirus crisis.
Turning 31 later this year and approaching veteran status, a delay like this could negatively impact any swimmer’s mindset and dreams.
But Howard says Scooter will not skip a beat to keep himself fit and is ready to wear the green and gold again in 2021.
“The intensity and urgency of our training has dropped off,” Howard said following the announcement.
“If the Paralympics were still on, we would have been cranking it right up now, knowing that the June trials were just around the corner, teeing ourselves up for that.
“Scooter needs to keep moving, but mentally he is fine, he just said ‘no problems, there is nothing we can do’.
“Scooter is self disciplined anyway so he will just do what he needs to do.
“Scooter does not usually have breaks, he just keeps going, we even joked he could train in a bath if he had to (laughs).”
It has been a tough week for the popular local coach, Howard.
Herb’s Training and Swim School closed in the short term and the Australian Swimming Coaches and Teachers Association Multi Class Coach of the Year says there were a few tears from swimmers and staff at the final training session.
“It is devastating to close a business and you never know when you’re going to see them again,” he said. “There was a few tears, we had to let go of a number of casual staff, too.”
While it makes sense for Howard and Scooter to ease their training load with the Paralympics postponed, the experienced coach says health also came into the decision.
“Scooter’s health is the most important thing as well because he has lung issues and that sort of stuff,” Howard said.
“He is a tough bugger and will do his own training. We may do some dry land stuff for him as well … and maybe do some riding as well.”
Cairns junior multi class swimmer Joel Mundie, a clubmate of Scooter’s, will also have a break from swimming due to coronavirus.
“He has a low immune system and we need to make sure he is safe,” Howard said.
“He will have a break and do some work in a smaller pool eventually.”
Edmonton swimmer Mundie also has dreams of one day representing Australia at the Paralympics. Fellow FNQ athletes Aron Baynes and Cayla George will have their Olympic dreams put on hold as well.