“If I can do the hardest program in Australia, why can’t anyone else?”

And with that, Paralympic gold medallist Tom Gallagher became the first para swimmer accepted into the enclave of St Peters Western Swim Club, one of most successful swimming clubs in Australia.

Detour of Duty

A year ago, Tom Gallagher had the crowd at La Defense Arena on its feet as he claimed Australia’s first gold medal of the Paralympic Games with victory in the S10 50m freestyle.

These days the 26-year-old is sweeping his new club mates at St Peters Western, Indooroopilly off their feet as the first para athlete accepted into the program of the enigmatic Dean Boxall.

And when Gallagher hits the water of the World Para Swimming Championships in Singapore on the opening day of competition on September 21, one club mate in particular will be paying attention.

“He is in great form,” world champion and multiple Olympic gold medallist Mollie O’Callaghan said.

“And I should know! We often train together and he is fast … it has been so great having him join the squad and he has fitted in so well it would feel so weird if he wasn’t training with us now.”

For Gallagher, currently with the para team at staging camp in Darwin ahead of Singapore, he said he felt a sense ‘of duty’ to represent para athletes with professionalism under his new coach.

“It’s a very big honour for me, to be the first para swimmer under Dean,” Gallagher said.

“It’s also a responsibility to represent the para community with pride and show that we don’t have any limitations.

“If I can do the hardest program in Australia, why can’t anyone else? And I really do hope this inspires not just other athletes but other coaches to take on para swimmers – that we love the hard stuff just as much as able-bodied swimmers.

“And I think I am proof that we are all just swimmers.”

Gallagher, who has won one gold and three bronze medals from his two Paralympics, took the initiative to reach out to Boxall after his Paris campaign and said he has never worked harder.

“I can’t wait to see how I go in Singapore. Joining his squad has changed the game for me. It has made me fall in love again with swimming,” Gallagher said.

“The squad there, the support staff, Dean – it’s just the perfect environment.

“And to be surrounded by the best athletes in the world, it’s unbelievable and it gets the best out of myself.”

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