Maddie McTernan returned from the 2024 Paris Paralympics with her head held high, adding another impressive chapter to her already stellar swimming career. With a silver medal in the 4x100m mixed freestyle relay, two personal bests, an Australian record, and top-five finishes in the S14 100m backstroke and S14 200m freestyle, she has firmly established herself as one of Australia’s top Paralympic athletes.
Maddie’s journey to success has been shaped by resilience, determination, and an unshakable commitment to her sport. Diagnosed with an intellectual impairment, autism, anxiety, and ADHD, she has faced significant challenges along the way. However, her unwavering dedication has propelled her to the highest levels of competition.
“S14 is my classification at the Paralympics, which is the class for athletes with an intellectual disability,” Maddie explains. While she has been swimming since childhood, her competitive journey began at 13, inspired by another para-athlete aiming for the Rio Paralympics. “I wanted to do that, but I knew I wouldn’t be good enough for Rio. So I decided to go for Tokyo.”
Since making her first national team at the 2019 World Para Swimming Championships, Maddie has represented Australia at three World Championships, the Commonwealth Games, and two Paralympic Games. She has claimed two Paralympic silver medals, one gold and three silver medals at the World Championships. However, she laughs, “All these medals were won as part of the relay! No individual medals yet, but hopefully one day!”
Born on December 29, 2000, Maddie’s love for the water flourished in Coffs Harbour, where she joined the local swimming club at 13 under coach Eugene Brogmus. The McTernan family later relocated to the Gold Coast, where she continued to thrive and refine her skills.
Beyond the pool, Maddie is passionate about giving back to her community. She volunteers with Riding for the Disabled and the Animal Welfare League Queensland (AWLQ), finding joy in supporting both people and animals.
“My coach wanted me to get out of the house and take my mind off swimming, so I decided to look at the AWLQ website and saw they were looking for volunteers,” she shares. Initially intending to work with dogs, Maddie ultimately chose to volunteer with cats. “It’s worked out well because after my Saturday morning training, I can relax at home for a bit before coming in to see the cats. It gives me a good start to the weekend and helps me unwind after a hard week of training. There’s a little bit of cleaning, but if there isn’t much to do, I just chill and play with the cats!”
A lifelong animal lover, Maddie has a 14-year-old Maltese Shih Tzu named Lucy, a 10-year-old Oriental Shorthair cat named Ebony, and a five-year-old Burmese cat named Rey.
Her journey is far from over. She aspires to continue representing Australia on the world stage while also serving as an ambassador for children with disabilities, inspiring the next generation of athletes.
Maddie’s story is one of resilience, passion, and self-belief. With her silver medal from Paris as a testament to her hard work, she continues to inspire with her motto: “Train hard, never give up, dream, believe, achieve.” And, of course, make a few feline friends along the way!
