'It's everything I ever dreamed of': Aussie teen swimmer Callum Simpson's reaction to thrilling gold melts hearts
PARIS: When Callum Simpson glanced up at a big screen and realised he'd won Paralympic gold, his reaction melted hearts.
The Australian swimmer, a 17-year-old from the Sunshine Coast, slapped the water, gestured to his family in the stands with heart-shaped hands, and shed tears of unbridled joy.
The Paralympic debutant was ecstatic and disbelieving in equal measure.
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In a race in which the gold and silver medallists were split by just 0.02 of a second, Simpson touched first to snatch victory in the men's 100m freestyle S8 on Saturday morning (AEST).
He stopped the clock at 58.23 seconds, edging the USA's Noah Jaffe (58.25) and Italy's Alberto Amodeo (58.30).
Australian 17-year-old Callum Simpson celebrates winning Paralympic gold in the men's 100m freestyle S8. Getty Images
"It's everything I ever dreamed of and to finally have my dream come true is amazing. It honestly it is," said Simpson, tears flowing.
"And I wouldn't have been able to get here without my family, my coach back home, Chris Wright, and my previous coach, Janelle Pallister, and all my friends back at home. They all got me here and I'm so grateful for them and I can't thank anyone enough. Honestly, thank you."
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Born with a genetic disorder called microdeletion syndrome, which caused a severe learning delay and problems with coordination, Simpson's parents got him swimming for therapy when he was still a baby.
He's now a two-time Paralympic gold medallist, having also been a member of Australia's mixed 4x100m freestyle relay team (34 points) in Paris.
His dad is Nigel Simpson, who captained England's men's rugby sevens team in the early 2000s.
"I'm so, so happy for him," said his dad.
"He's worked so hard for this and to finally get it, words can't describe it."
Simpson was one of two Australian swimmers who won gold in the session at the Paris La Defense Arena, along with Benjamin Hance.
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