Lakeisha Patterson OAM

Sporting Career

Patterson is a decorated Australian Paralympian. She won her first international medal at the 2014 Commonwealth Games, collecting bronze. Patterson achieved another 5 medals at the IPC Swimming World Championships including 1 gold, and a career-best 6 medals at the 2016 Rio Paralympics including 2 gold and 2 WR's. Patterson became a dual Gold medalist at the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games and was crowned World Champion in the 400m Freestyle S9 at the 2019 & 2023 World Championships. 

After watching the 2012 London Paralympics Patterson set herself a goal to make it to that level and in 4 years she did just that, not only making it to the 2016 Rio Paralympics but coming home with 2 gold medals and 2 world records. She also claimed gold at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, and silver at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, to claim a 8 Paralympic medals to her tally.

Outside of Sport

Patterson has had an inspiring story of overcoming obstacles. Diagnosed with cerebral palsy from birth, she took up swimming at the age of 3 as part of her treatment. She is also diagnosed with Epilepsy, Micrographia, and Occipital Neuralgia. Swimming soon became a passion rather than just rehabilitation, and she was able to connect to the sport in a way that gave her a sense of freedom and belonging. 

Furthermore, Patterson had a tough early childhood with her mother conquering cancer and having to start from scratch and raise 3 girls after domestic violence. However, her mother and sisters, as well as the community around her, have always been supportive and never focused on what she was unable to do, only what she could achieve.

Recently, Patterson has been passionate about speaking up against bullying, in particular, cyber-bullying. She has continued to focus on the positives and how they outweigh the negatives. She claims that her hard work and achievements are the best way to combat bullies.

Patterson also volunteers her time at the Queensland Children's Hospital, an ambassador for Aspirations4Kids in Sport, and studying a Bachelor of Communication.

Awards

• 2016 - Queensland Athlete with a Disability Award
• 2016 - Sporting Wheelies and Disabled Association Senior Female Athlete of the Year.
• 2017 - Order of Australia Medal
• 2017 - Swimming Australia Mrs. Gina Rinehart Patron Award
• 2018 - Sunshine Coast Sports Federation Sportsperson of the Year 
• 2019 - Swimming Australia Paralympic Athlete of the Year 

Patterson has a never quit attitude and an inspiring story that would touch anyone. Patterson has continued to swim through all her obstacles and in her own words:

"When the times get tough, I like to remind myself why I do what I do — I swim because it’s healthy for me and I love it. I love the opportunities it brings, and I love how there is always room for improvement."

To learn more about Lakeisha's story, check out her feature article on Athlete's Voice below:

https://www.athletesvoice.com....