CHAC alumna and dual Paralympic gold medallist, Rachael Watson OAM has cemented her place in swimming history after claiming silver at the Portugal World Para Swimming Championships in June.

Graduating from CHAC in 2009, Rachael is a celebrated elite athlete. Following her gold medal swim at the 2016 games in Rio, Rachael was honoured with an Order of Australia Medal for her

achievement. Then last year, Rachael swam into Australian hearts when she won the Women’s 50m Freestyle S4 at the 2020 Tokyo Paralympic Games – setting a new record of 39.36.

Rachael has overcome numerous hurdles to reach the height of sporting success – but her accomplishments outside the pool are just as remarkable. Rachael was diagnosed with mild cerebral palsy at two, and prior to acquiring Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) at 21, she lived an independent life and was able to walk. GBS caused muscle weakness and paralysis, and drastically changed Rachael’s physical function. As part of her intense rehabilitation, she took

up swimming – and that’s where her sporting journey started.