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Richard Colman
260111 - Richard Colman athletics - 3b - 2011 IPC Athletics Championships photo.jpg
Colman showing the silver medal he won in the 400 m at the 2011 IPC Athletics World Championships
Personal information
Born 28 November 1984 (1984-11-28) (age 40)
Stavanger, Norway
Disability class T53
Medal record
Men's para athletics
Representing  Australia
Paralympic Games
Gold 2004 Athens 800 m T53
Gold 2012 London 800 m T53
Silver 2004 Athens 4x100 m T53–54
Silver 2008 Beijing 200 m T53
Bronze 2008 Beijing 400 m T53
Bronze 2012 London 400 m T53
Bronze 2012 London 4x400 m T53/54
World Championships
Gold 2011 Christchurch 800 m T53
Silver 2011 Christchurch 400m T53
Bronze 2002 Lille 400 m T53
Bronze 2006 Assen 800 m T53
Bronze 2013 Lyon 800 m T53
Bronze 2013 Lyon 1500 m T53
Commonwealth Games
Silver 2010 Delhi 1500 m T54

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.

Richard Colman's Paralympic Journey

030912 - Richard Colman - 3b - 2012 Summer Paralympics
Richard Colman at the 2012 London Paralympics

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.

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