Tracy Barrell facts for kids
Barrell in 1992
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| Personal information | ||||||||||||||
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| Nationality |  Australia |
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| Born | 1974 (age 50–51) New South Wales, Australia |
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Medal record
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Tracy Lee Barrell is an amazing Australian Paralympic swimmer. She was born in 1974. Tracy won two gold medals at the 1992 Barcelona Games. She is also a strong voice for people with disabilities. Tracy is an Indigenous Australian.
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About Tracy's Life
Tracy Barrell was born in New South Wales, Australia, in 1974. She was born without legs and with only one arm. Doctors said this was because her mother took an anti-morning sickness pill. This pill caused a birth difference.
As a child, Tracy used a skateboard to move around. She used her one arm to help her get places. She decided not to use artificial legs. Tracy went to St Patrick's College, Sutherland in Sydney for school.
In 1995, Tracy got married. She later separated and then had two sons, Bryce (born 2001) and Oscar (born 2004), with her new partner. She raised her children as a single mother.
Tracy's Sports Journey
Tracy started her swimming career in 1989 when she was 14. Her mother helped her join the NSW Amputee Sporting Association. She was coached by Mick Maroney and later by Greg Hodge.
Her first big competition was the NSW State Games. She won four gold medals in swimming. She also won two gold medals in throwing events. Because of her great results, she was named the Athlete of the Games. Tracy was classified as an S4 swimmer. This classification is for swimmers with certain physical impairments.
Paralympic Success
Tracy's mother helped her travel to Spain for the 1992 Barcelona Games. Tracy won two gold medals there. She won in the Women's 4x50 m Freestyle S1-6 event. She also won the Women's 50 m Butterfly S3-4 event. She placed fourth in two other races.
In 1993, Tracy received the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM). This award was for her amazing achievements in sports, especially at the Paralympics.
Tracy stopped swimming in 1994. This was due to an injury and surgery on her only arm. In 2008, she played sitting volleyball for Australia. She competed in the Shanghai Women's Sitting Volleyball Tournament.
Speaking Up for Others
After retiring from sports, Tracy became a strong advocate. She works to create more opportunities for people with disabilities.
From 2008 to 2015, Tracy was an ambassador for "Don't DIS my ABILITY." This program helps people with disabilities by providing inspiring role models.
In 2011, Tracy was not allowed on rides at Movie World Studios. This was due to new safety rules. She had been able to go on all rides during past visits. This event highlighted issues of accessibility for people with disabilities.
In 2013, the New South Wales Government named her a "Living Life My Way Ambassador." These ambassadors help people with disabilities live independently.
Tracy Barrell has Indigenous heritage. In 2015, she was a spokesperson for the First Peoples Disability Network. On December 3rd, she celebrated Indigenous Paralympians. This event was held at the National Centre of Indigenous Excellence in Sydney.
See also
In Spanish: Tracy Barrell para niños
