Athlete: Gareth Duke
HOME TOWN: Cwmbran
SPORT: Swimming
EVENT: 100m Free & Breast, Relays.
CLASS: S6, SB6
DISABILITY: Acondroplasia
COMPETITION HONOURS
World Championships Argentina 2002:
1 Silver 100m Breast
1 Bronze 4×50m Free Relay
Paralympic Games Athens 2004:
1 Gold 100m Breast
World Championships Durban 2006:
1 Gold 100m Breast
2 Bronze 200m IM, 4 × 50m Medley Relay
BIOGRAPHY
Medalled twice on GB debut at the World Championships in Argentina in 2002. Holder of numerous records in his number 1 stroke – Breaststroke.
Gareth recieved the Wales Sportstar 2004 Award at ceremony in Cardiff, for his efforts in Athens.
Best remembered for the television coverage of his medal presentation, which brought a few tears to the eyes of the strongest.
A year after winning Paralympic gold in Athens, the swimmer went under the knife to receive a new kidney donated by his Dad, Trevor.
A remarkable recovery by Gareth was topped off with a sterling performance at the World Championships in Durban in December 2006. He took on his main rival Travis Mohr, from America in a re-match of the Athens Final of the 100m Breaststroke, and Gareth didn’t disappoint with a great Gold winning performance topped off with him setting a new World Record.
Gareth also grabbed 2 bronze medals, in the 200m IM and as part of the 4 × 50m Medley Relay.
