Dream come true for Pearse

RAISED on a dairy farm in Bamawm surrounded by dams and irrigation channels, Col Pearse said it was a family rule that everyone learned to swim.

In August this year, at just 18 years old, Pearse took home bronze in the 100-metre butterfly at the 2020 Tokyo Paralympic Games, setting an Australian record, and has subsequently received a Bendigo Sports Star of the Month award.

“Being recognised for your sporting achievements is always really nice, especially given the last 18 months, Victorians have just been in lockdown after lockdown so for me to go the Tokyo Paralympics and then be awarded August athlete of the month it’s just special,” he said.

Pearse was just two years old when his right foot had to be amputated due to a ride-on mower accident, however he never gave up on his dream to become a professional swimmer.

He said meeting fellow Paralympian Ellie Cole after she won four gold medals at the 2012 Paralympic Games inspired him to try and make the team himself.

“Knowing someone that also has a disability like myself, she’s missing her whole leg, and seeing her do those amazing things, that’s where I made that goal in my head,” he said.

With a simple aim of just representing his country, Pearse said winning bronze was “icing on the cake.”

While his parents and family couldn’t be with him in Tokyo, the swimmer said he knew they’d be watching back home on a brand-new TV, bought specifically to watch the Paralympic Games.

“I still knew they were spoiling themselves with a nice TV and putting on the swimming,” he said. “It’s obviously a little bit upsetting but I went there for a job, and I achieved it.”

Finishing up his hotel quarantine in Melbourne today, Pearse said he will now focus on his year 12 exams before preparing for the 2024 Paris Paralympics.