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Others should aspire to this star’s ability and humility

09 Sep 08:00am

Filed under: Matt Cowdrey, Olympics, Paralympics, Sport, Swimming, Weekend Punch

The difference between the winning times in the men’s 50m freestyle swimming finals at the 2012 London Olympics and Paralympics was just 3.79 seconds.

More able-bodied than most of us. Pic: News.com.au

At the London Games in July, Frenchman Frances Manaudou won gold in the 50m with a time of 21.34 seconds.

At the Paralympics last week, Australian Matt Cowdrey won gold in 25.13 seconds. Cowdrey’s time was a new Paralympics world record. It was just a touch over four seconds slower than the Olympic world record of 20.91, set by Brazil’s Cesar Cielo in 2009.

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Justin of Earlwood says:

07:04pm | 09/09/12

Righto, I’ll stick my head up to be shot off…. Everything the paralympians do is inspiring, but it shouldn’t be compared to olympic performance. It simply isn’t in the same league. Sure, you’ve beaten the best in your division, but you haven’t beaten the best in the world. What it… Read more »
Craig Wilson says:

05:32pm | 09/09/12

This guy is the true hero of the Australian Olympic campaign, not those so called “able bodied” big noters who were so certain they were going to win gold and ended up being duds. The Paralympians have restored my faith in good sportsmanship and graciousness. Well done Matt, you should… Read more »

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