Lakeisha Patterson
A decorated Australian Paralympian with a never-quit attitude and an inspiring story of overcoming obstacles
Lakeisha is a decorated Australian Paralympian. She won her first international medal at the 2014 Commonwealth Games, collecting bronze.
Lakeisha achieved another 5 medals at the IPC Swimming World Championships including 1 gold and career best 6 medals at the 2016 Rio Paralympics including 2 gold and 2 WR's. Patterson became a dual Gold medalist at the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games, and was crowned World Champion in the 400m Freestyle S9 at the 2019 World Championships.
After watching the 2012 London Paralympics Lakeisha set herself a goal to make it to that level and in 4 years she did just that, not only making it to the 2016 Rio Paralympics but coming home with 2 gold medals and 2 world records. Now her sights are set firmly on making the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games.
Lakeisha has had an inspiring story of overcoming obstacles. Diagnosed with cerebral palsy from birth, she took up swimming at the age of 3 as part of her treatment. She is also diagnosed with early onset Parkinson's disease, Epilepsy, and Micrographia. Swimming soon became a passion rather than just rehabilitation, and she was able to connect to the sport in a way that gave her a sense of freedom and belonging.
Furthermore, Lakeisha had a tough early childhood with her mother conquering cancer and having to start from scratch and raise 3 girls after domestic violence. However, her mother and sisters, as well as the community around her, have always been supportive and never focused on what she was unable to do, only what she could achieve.
Recently, Lakeisha has been passionate in speaking up against bullying, in particular, cyber-bullying. She has continued to focus on the positives and how they outweigh the negatives. She claims that her hard work and achievements is the best way to combat bullies.
Lakeisha also volunteers her time at the Queensland Children's Hospital, an ambassador for Aspirations4Kids in Sport, and studying a Bachelor of Communication.
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