PAIGE Leonhardt’s motto of “give it all you’ve got, every time” paid dividends in the Commonwealth Games pool on Monday night when she snared silver in a tight finish in the 100m women’s SB9 breaststroke final.
Sport’s Minister Mick de Brenni congratulated the 17-year-old Mount Cotton student, whose injuries were the result of a car accident when she was five years old.
“Paige epitomises the Queensland spirit of pride, passion and perseverance,” Mr de Brenni said.
“She was just pipped for bronze in the S10 200m individual medley on Saturday.
“To come so close and just miss out on a medal might dampen another athlete’s spirits – but it looks like it just stoked the fire for Paige.
“Two days later, she’s come out with a fantastic swim to claim silver in the SB9 100m breaststroke.
“Queensland is the home of champion swimmers and that’s not just because we’re the state of sun, surf and sand.
“It’s because we invest in our athletes. We have world class facilities, we have exceptional elite training pathways, and we have incredible coaches and support staff.
“And it’s also because our blood runs maroon.
“Paige has done her family and friends, the Carmel College community and all her Queensland supporters very proud.”
Redland mayor Karen Williams said Paige and her fellow Redlands-based Commonwealth Games athletes were riding a wave of Redlands pride.
“We are immensely proud of Paige and the other Redlanders competing in the games, including Daniel Fox and Shayna Jack. Their achievements are reward for their years of hard work and determination and show the calibre of our local athletes.
“It is also evidence of the strength of our local coaches and sports administrators who laid the foundations for this success.
“I look forward to celebrating with our local athletes after the games and know our community will be keen to show how proud we as a city are of their achievements.”
Mr de Brenni acknowledged the support staff at the Queensland Academy of Sport, including the science, strength and health teams which have worked tirelessly alongside Commonwealth Games athletes.
“The years of behind-the-scenes work often goes unseen, but it’s what helps our athletes go that extra one percent and ensures they’re performing at their absolute best while representing the green and gold,” he said.
