Why Nemo is his favourite nickname... and 20 other fresh facts about Col Pearse
Jaymie Hooper | Presented by Woolworths
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Growing up in the small Victorian town of Echuca, Paralympic swimmer and Woolworths Ambassador Col Pearse has always had the support of his local community. Now, as the 21-year-old prepares for his second Paralympic Games, the whole of Australia is rallying behind him, too.
Here's everything you need to know about the homegrown hero before he takes on Paris 2024.
Nemo is his favourite nickname
What does Pearse have in common with Disney's iconic clownfish? Quite a bit. "I've got ginger hair, a gimpy fin and I'm always in the water," Pearse jokes.
He eats four cans of tuna a day
As a professional athlete, Pearse needs to fuel his body with fresh food and lots of protein — and tuna ticks all the boxes.
AC/DC lights his fire
Before making his way to the starting blocks, Pearse blasts AC/DC and Eminem to get in the zone.
His community has always backed him
To fund his dream of becoming a professional swimmer, nine-year-old Pearse would sit outside his local Woolworths and sell raffle tickets.
He likes a good splash
Athletes are known for their quirky pre-race rituals, and Pearse is no different. Before any competition, he must splash himself with water — 14 times.
Bananas keep him going
Pearse keeps his pre-race nutrition simple with a banana. Not only is it easy to eat, it also packs long-lasting energy.
He cooks a mean spagbol
If he was going for gold in cooking, Pearse says his spaghetti bolognese would take out the top spot.
His mum inspires him
"She's an incredible woman," Pearse says. "She's raised a family, a professional athlete and 500 dairy cows."
There's no place like home
Swimming might take him all over the world, but nowhere compares to Pearse's family farm.
He's not afraid to cry
"Every time my face gets shown on national or international television, there are always tears," Pearse says.
His diet is 70 per cent fruit and veg
"In the wintertime, I'm pumping through oranges, and in the summertime, I'm enjoying delicious mangoes."
"Mr Brightside" is his go-to karaoke song
What's not to love about The Killer's classic?
His dog Dixie will be watching from home
Pearse's mother, Teena, and older sister, Ashleigh, will be supporting him in Paris while the rest of the family cheers him on from Echuca.
He's giving back with the Woolworths Sports Grant
Col will donate his Woolworths Sports Grant to the club where he got his start. Supplied
In a full-circle moment, Pearse has decided to give his Woolworths Sports Grant to the Echuca Swimming Club — where he got his start — to help support the club's future.
Nothing says "celebration" like a bonfire
How does Pearse party after a win? Going back to the family farm and inviting everyone from the local community over for a big bonfire and just spending time together.
AFL could be his next career move
"I think having a prosthetic leg could help me out a bit," he jokes.
He doesn't overcommit
According to Pearse, the best lifestyle is one you can maintain.
He loved watching Paralympian Ellie Cole as a kid
"She's a Paralympic gold medallist, has a prosthetic leg and she's just an incredible lady."
Greek yoghurt hits the spot
Packed with protein and gut-loving probiotics, Pearse can't get enough of Woolworths Greek Yoghurt.
He got his big break in Year 10
Pearse was only 16 when he made the Australian Paralympic Development Squad — proof that hard work pays off.
He wants to inspire future athletes
Whether they have a disability or not, Pearse encourages kids to try their hardest and be the best version of themselves.
Watch Col Pearse compete at the 2024 Paralympic Games, between August 28 and September 8.
