Tara Murray
The realisation that she’s competing in another Paralympics won’t settle in for Seddon’s Jess Gallagher until she gets to the velodrome in Paris.
The 38-year-old, who is the only Australian to have won a medal at the summer and winter Paralympics, has been selected as part of Australia’s cycling team for 2024.
“It has been eight years since I last competed at the Paralympics and having attended five Paralympics in the eight years prior to that I’m proud to be back on the team having experienced some challenges throughout this Paralympic cycle,” she said.
Gallagher won bronze at the 2016 Olympics in the tandem time trial B and was on track to compete in 2020 at Tokyo. She won a silver medal in 2019 at the world championships leading into the Games.
But it wasn’t to be for the Seddon resident.
“At the time my tandem pilot made the decision to retire and consequently the sports system was unable to find a replacement leaving me with no ability to participate in track cycling let alone aspire towards Paralympic selection,” she said.
“It was devastating and was the catalyst for deciding to try rowing. I had one simple goal of giving myself every opportunity of making the 2024 Paris Paralympics.
“Over those years of learning to row, I also found a tandem pilot as well. It led to the unique privilege of representing Australia concurrently in two sports across 2022 and 2023 culminating in qualifying the Women’s tandem (cycling) and PR3 4+ (rowing) for the Paralympics.”
Gallagher, who won .two golds at the 2022 Commonwealth Games, decided to focus on cycling for the Olympics.
It was a hard decision.
“Unfortunately, with direct schedule clashes at the Games I was forced to choose which sport to prioritise for the Paralympics with track cycling being my decision.
“I’m proud of the work I have put in to ensure the circumstances outside of my control would not dictate my ability to compete at another Paralympics. It will be special to see that work come to fruition in Paris.”
Gallagher said for her personally she has the expectation to deliver her personal best, but knows there’s an array of external variables that could impact it.
“I focus on what is in my control and ensuring I finish the race feeling that I have done everything within my control to deliver my personal best,” she said.
“So far, our preparation has been pretty smooth. There are always challenges and bumps along the way however I’m in great condition and looking forward to the opportunity to put my best performances out on the track.”
Gallagher is currently with the Australian Paralympic Cycling Team in France to the lead up to the Games.
The track cycling program begins day one of competition so there won’t be much time to rest once they get to Paris.
“For the women’s tandem our one kilometre time trial qualifying and final are Friday, August 30,” she said. “We’d love you to cheer us on.”
