Kurt’s plea to help all Aussies
TRIPLE Paralympics gold medallist Kurt Fearnley last urged Australians to be more open to providing opportunities for disabled people after taking a silver medal from his last track race.
Fearnley will have his last international race in an Australian team in Sunday’s Commonwealth Games marathon after being unable to chase down Canadian gold medallist Alexandre Dupont (3min11.75sec) in a T54 1500m final decided by just .17sec last night.
The 37-year-old cocaptain of the Australian Commonwealth Games team took advantage of his night in the spotlight to speak on behalf of disabled Australians who struggle to make their voice heard.
Fearnley’s silver followed Australia’s Madison de Rozario win in the women’s T54 1500m, a fully franked Commonwealth Games dividend after illness had foiled her first attempt when she won the women’s T54 1500m final.
“I have been given this amazing privilege that I am grateful for. There are a lot of people with disabilities that haven’t been given the privilege I have,’’ Fearnley said.
“We are doing it as a team, an Australian team.
“We are getting people with all experiences of life and celebrating it. I think that tomorrow maybe we can
go back to work and speak to your co-workers about getting more people with disabilities in there or (provide better opportunities in) education facilities or public transport.
“This right here is a success.
“Let’s remind ourselves of that and what the real purpose is.’’
Australian also won two bronze medals in able-bodied athletics last night, with Victorian 110m hurdler Nick Hough and Brisbane decathlete Cedric Dubler finishing third in their events.
Fearnley said there would be no reconsideration for further Games representation although he will continue in marathon races.
“That’s done on the track. It’s everything I had,’’ Fearnley said.
De Rozario flew to the 2014 Glasgow Games and had to withdraw with deep vein thrombosis, needing three days in a hospital.