Paralympian says c’est la vie to Paris

TWO-TIME Paralympian Braedan Jason today officially announced his retirement from competitive swimming.

After taking a year off, the vision-impaired athlete said that while swimming was still a huge part of his life it was time to step away from international racing.

Instead, the 25-year-old, who works as a radio producer at ABC Sunshine Coast, is determined to become the first legally blind person to compete in the Coolangatta Gold Ironman next month … oh and also prepare for his impending wedding.

“I just think it’s time … sport will always be an important part of my life. I’m enjoying work and enjoying training for something different … and I must admit, I love having the freedom of eating a few party pies after work,” he joked.

“Making my first team and getting that first Australian cap will always be one of my most treasured memories and I can’t say thank you enough to everyone that helped me on the way. But it’s time.”

The Alexandra Headland Surf Life Saving Club member made his Australian Swim Team debut at the 2015 Para World Swimming Championships in Glasgow at 17 and Dolphin #P285 made four finals in his international debut, including a 4^th in the 400m freestyle.

Braedan then went on to compete at two Paralympic Games – Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020.

His most decorated experience saw Braedan claim three gold medals at the 2018 Para Pan Pacs in Cairns in the 50m and 400m freestyle, and 100m butterfly.

He also broke the world record in the 800m freestyle S13 in 2016, and also the 200m freestyle short course S12 world record in 2021.

In all, he made seven Dolphins’ teams, including the Australian Para team that competed at the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games with his best result a fourth placing.

Swimming Australia congratulates Braedan on a wonderful career.