Jacqueline Freney

Jacqueline Freney is an Australian Paralympic swimmer, born on June 6, 1992, in Brisbane, Australia. She is widely considered as one of the greatest Paralympic athletes of all time. Freney began her professional career in swimming at a young age, showing remarkable skill and determination. She has won numerous individual awards, including eight gold medals at the 2012 London Paralympics, making her the most successful athlete at a single Paralympics.

Freney is known for her incredible speed, strength, and versatility in the pool. Off the field, Freney is also recognized for her advocacy work for people with disabilities, inspiring millions around the world.

Early Career

• Freney was born with cerebral palsy diplegia, but that didn't stop her from pursuing her passion for swimming. She made her Paralympic debut at the 2008 Beijing Games, winning a bronze medal.

2012 London Paralympics

• Breakthrough Performance: At the London Paralympics, Freney won eight gold medals, setting two world records in the process. This made her the most successful athlete at a single Paralympics.

Post-Paralympics Career

• Following her astounding success in London, Freney continued to compete and win at various international events. She announced her retirement from competitive swimming in 2015.

Australian Paralympic Team

• Debut: Made her debut for the Australian Paralympic team in 2008.

Achievements:

• Paralympic Games: Won a total of 9 gold medals and 1 bronze medal.
• World Championships: Won multiple medals, setting several world records in the process.

• Position: Primarily a freestyle, backstroke and medley swimmer.
• Skills: Known for her incredible speed, strength, and versatility in the pool. Freney is celebrated for her technique, determination, and resilience.

• Family: Freney was born to a family with a strong swimming background; her father and grandfather both were swim coaches.
• Advocacy: Freney is a vocal advocate for people with disabilities, working to promote inclusivity and equality in various aspects of society.

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

Australian Paralympian of the Year:

• Winner in 2012 and 2013

Most Gold Medals in a Single Paralympics:

• 8 gold medals at the 2012 London Paralympics

Order of Australia Medal:

• Recipient in 2014 for her significant service to sport as a Gold Medallist at the London 2012 Paralympic Games.

Books

• Freney, J. (2015) Eight Lane Freney: The Jacqueline Freney Story. Self-published.

Websites

• Paralympics Australia: Information about Jacqueline Freney’s career and achievements. Available at: https://www.paralympic.org.au
• International Paralympic Committee: Details about Freney’s career at the Paralympic Games. Available at: https://www.paralympic.org

Articles

• The Guardian: Jacqueline Freney: 'I didn't realise how big a deal it was'. Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2012/sep/09/jacqueline-freney-paralympics-swimming
• ABC News: Paralympics: Jacqueline Freney named Australia's Paralympian of the Year. Available at: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-11-22/freney-named-paralympian-of-the-year/4386850

Interviews and Documentaries

• ABC Conversations: Jacqueline Freney, Australia's most successful Paralympian. This radio interview provides a detailed look at Freney’s life and career. Available at: https://www.abc.net.au