GRACE'S TRIATHLON TRIUMPH
Growing up on the Sunshine Coast, Grace has always been surrounded by the support of her family and friends. Born in Nambour and a lifelong resident of the Sunshine Coast, she has spent the last 13 years attending Sunshine Coast Grammar School (SCGS). Here, her journey as a triathlete began and blossomed.
Grace’s skill for sports was evident from an early age. She started swimming lessons when she was just four months old and joined Little Athletics at five. Although she initially found herself lagging in races, her performance improved as the distances increased. At nine, she secured second place in her school’s cross-country race, marking a pivotal moment in her sporting journey.
Her Physical Education teacher, Maureen Cummings, recognized Grace’s potential and suggested she try Aquathlon—a combination of swimming and running. Maureen, a champion aquathlete and triathlete herself, saw Grace’s potential and guided her towards this sport. Grace’s talent quickly shone through as she made the able-bodied Aquathlon team for the Sunshine Coast Region for two consecutive years. Once she was old enough, she transitioned into triathlons and has since made the Sunny Coast Able-bodied Regional Team every year.
Grace’s dedication and hard work paid off spectacularly when she competed in Spain, achieving a fantastic result that has propelled her towards potential of competing in the Paris Paralympic Games 2024.
Reflecting on this milestone, Grace says,
“I can’t believe where I am at and I still can’t interpret those feelings; that’s how much I am blown away with what has happened. But that result is just one of a whole journey that is really only just starting.”
Her success in Spain has catapulted her to third place in the world Paralympic rankings. Rankings can fluctuate with upcoming races, but her current standing gives her a strong opportunity to make the Paralympic team.
Despite her international success, Grace will continue her training on the Sunshine Coast.
“Being in a familiar environment whilst waiting to see if I make it—and continuing to try to do my Year 11 work, is important, and I think will make me a better athlete and more importantly, the best version of me I can be,” she explains.
We wish Grace the best of luck with her success and will be supporting her along her triathlete journey. Keep posted through her social media @grace_brimelow_sport.
Image source: @grace_brimelow_sport Instagram