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 is an amazing Australian Paralympic athlete. He was born on November 28, 1984, in Stavanger, Norway. Richard competes in track and field events, mainly in the T53 category for wheelchair racers. He was born with spina bifida, a condition that affects the spine.
Richard has proudly represented Australia at four Paralympic Games, from 2004 to 2016. He is known for his speed and determination in sprint races.
Contents
Richard Colman's Paralympic Journey
Richard Colman has achieved incredible success at the Paralympic Games. These games are a major international multi-sport event for athletes with disabilities.
Athens 2004: First Gold Medal
At the 2004 Athens Paralympics, Richard won his first gold medal in the men's 800-meter T53 event. This was a huge achievement! He also earned a silver medal as part of the men's 4x100-meter relay team.
Beijing 2008: More Medals
Richard continued his success at the 2008 Beijing Paralympics. He won a silver medal in the men's 200-meter T53 event. He also took home a bronze medal in the men's 400-meter T53 race.
London 2012: Double Gold
The 2012 London Paralympics were very special for Richard. He won another gold medal in the men's 800-meter T53 event. He also added two bronze medals to his collection, one in the men's 400-meter T53 and another in the men's 4x400-meter relay.
Rio 2016: Competing at the Top
Richard competed at the 2016 Rio Paralympics. He showed great effort in the men's 400-meter T53 and 800-meter T53 heats.
Commonwealth Games Achievements
Richard has also competed at the Commonwealth Games, a major sporting event for countries of the Commonwealth.
Delhi 2010: Silver Medal
At the 2010 Delhi Commonwealth Games, Richard won a silver medal. This was in the 1500-meter T54 event.
Glasgow 2014: Strong Performance
He competed again at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. He finished fourth in the 1500-meter T54 event, showing his consistent performance.
IPC Athletics World Championships
Richard has taken part in four IPC Athletics World Championships. These championships bring together the best para-athletes from around the world.
Early Success: Bronze Medals
In 2002, he won a bronze medal in the men's 400-meter T53 event. In 2006, he earned another bronze medal in the men's 800-meter T53.
Christchurch 2011: Gold and Silver
At the 2011 Championships in Christchurch, Richard had an amazing performance. He won a gold medal in the men's 800-meter T53. He also secured a silver medal in the men's 400-meter T53.
Lyon 2013: Double Bronze
At the 2013 Championships in Lyon, France, Richard won two more bronze medals. These were in the men's 800-meter and 1500-meter T53 events.
Richard Colman's Life and Contributions
Richard Colman's journey is not just about sports. He has also made important contributions to his community.
Growing Up in Geelong
Richard grew up in Geelong, Australia, and went to Geelong College. He loved trying all kinds of sports. He says his school was very supportive, which helped him realize he could be involved in almost any sport, even from a wheelchair.
Breaking Barriers in Sports
In 2007, Richard became the first wheelchair AFL goal umpire in the Geelong League. This shows his determination to break barriers.
Education and Awards
In 2009, Richard finished his Bachelor of Commerce degree at Deakin University. In 2012, he received the Deakin Young Alumni of the Year Award. This award recognized his amazing achievements in wheelchair athletics.
Honors and Community Work
In 2014, Richard was made a Member of the Order of Australia (AM). This honor was for his great service to sport as a Paralympic gold medalist and to the community.
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.
Conquering Death Road
Richard also achieved an incredible feat by becoming the first person in a wheelchair to complete the "Death Road" in Bolivia. This is a challenging 64-kilometer track that goes down 3500 meters. Richard said it pushed him to his limits but was an "incredible experience."
Active Geelong Ambassador
In 2020, Richard became an Active Geelong Ambassador. This role allows him to inspire others to be active and healthy.
