Richard Colman facts for kids
Colman showing the silver medal he won in the 400 m at the 2011 IPC Athletics World Championships
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| Born | 28 November 1984 (age 40) Stavanger, Norway |
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| Disability class | T53 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Medal record
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Richard Andrew Colman, born on November 28, 1984, in Stavanger, Norway, is an amazing Australian athlete. He is a Paralympic champion who competes in track and field events, mostly in sprint races. Richard was born with a condition called spina bifida, which affects his spine. He has proudly represented Australia at four Paralympic Games, from 2004 to 2016.
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Paralympic Games Achievements
Richard Colman has competed in four Paralympic Games, showing incredible skill and determination. He has won many medals for Australia.
Athens 2004
At the Athens 2004 Paralympics, Richard won his first gold medal in the men's 800 m T53 event. He also earned a silver medal in the men's 4 x 100 m relay. The T53 classification is for athletes who use wheelchairs and have good upper body strength.
Beijing 2008
Richard continued his success at the Beijing 2008 Paralympics. He won a silver medal in the men's 200 m T53 event. He also took home a bronze medal in the men's 400 m T53 race.
London 2012
The London 2012 Paralympics were another highlight for Richard. He won his second gold medal in the men's 800 m T53 event. He also added two bronze medals to his collection: one in the men's 400 m T53 and another in the men's 4x400 m T53/54 relay.
Rio 2016
Richard competed at the Rio 2016 Paralympics. He raced in the men's 400 m T53 and 800 m T53 events.
Commonwealth Games Success
Richard Colman has also competed in the Commonwealth Games.
Delhi 2010
At the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi, Richard won a silver medal. This was in the 1500 m T54 event, which is another wheelchair racing category.
Glasgow 2014
He also competed at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, where he finished fourth in the same 1500 m T54 event.
World Championships Medals
Richard has shown his talent at the IPC Athletics World Championships many times.
Early Championships
In 2002, he won a bronze medal in the men's 400 m T53. In 2006, he earned another bronze medal in the men's 800 m T53.
Christchurch 2011
At the 2011 Championships in Christchurch, Richard had a fantastic performance. He won a gold medal in the men's 800 m T53. He also secured a silver medal in the men's 400 m T53.
Lyon 2013
At the 2013 Championships in Lyon, France, Richard added two more bronze medals to his collection. He won them in the men's 800 m and 1500 m T53 events.
Richard's Personal Journey
Richard Colman grew up in Geelong, Australia, and went to Geelong College. He loved trying all kinds of sports when he was young.
Sports and Education
Richard shared that his school was very supportive. This helped him realize that even though he uses a wheelchair, he could still be involved in almost any sport. In 2009, he finished his Bachelor of Commerce degree at Deakin University.
Inspiring Others
Richard became the first wheelchair AFL goal umpire in the Geelong League in 2007. In 2012, he received the Deakin Young Alumni of the Year Award. This award recognized his amazing achievements in wheelchair athletics.
In 2014, Richard was made a Member of the Order of Australia (AM). This honor was for his great service to sport as a gold medalist and for his contributions to the community.
Coaching and Adventures
Today, Richard works with young athletes. He helps them develop their skills to become the next generation of Paralympic champions. In the summer, he coaches international senior athletes in Geelong.
Richard also completed an incredible challenge. He became the first person in a wheelchair to complete the "Death Road" in Bolivia. This 64-kilometer track goes down 3500 meters. Richard said it pushed him to his limits but was an amazing experience.
As of 2020, Richard Colman is an Ambassador for Active Geelong, promoting active lifestyles.
