Mount Gambier athlete Amechai Bawden shot to glory at the Special Olympics Australia National Games held in Launceston, Tasmania recently.
Almost 1000 entrants took part in this years event and the games were supported by more than 600 volunteers who helped organise nine sporting disciplines over the course of five days – with competitors showing their skills across a host of athletics, basketball, bocce, ten-pin bowling, soccer, golf, gymnastics, swimming and tennis events.
Bawden competed as part of the South Australian team and won gold in the shot-put four kilogram event with a throw of 10.24 meters, as well as placing in a number of track events.
“I competed in the shot-put, which is not one of my main events, I am more of a long-distance runner normally,” Bawden said.
The emotions were high for the local after winning the gold medal.
The shot put event was not the only one Bawden competed in, he also placed second in his pet event, the 400 meters.
“I felt pretty good really,” he said.
“I got second in the 400 metres, that was a mad sprint and I vomited after that one,” he said.
Bawden also contested the 800 metre race, where again secured a bronze medal just three seconds behind the leader and claimed silver in the 4 x 100 mixed relay.
Battling health issues before and after the games, Bawden’s positive outlook on life remained and he still wants to continue to strive for sporting excellence.
“I just want to go out there and improve my times,” he said.
Bawden’s passion for sport started in Little Athletics , with his skill and passion blossoming from as the years progressed.
“I was a bit of a sore loser, so losing then just drove me further,” he said.
“Watching some movies on athletics also drove the passion.”
Bawden has always wanted to represent South Australia in the sporting arena and compete to the best of his ability, which was evident at the recent Special Olympics Australia National Games.
About 12 years ago he first became involved with the Special Olympics and the star has been on the rise ever since.
“After having some mental health issues and having some major seizures this year, it was a good experience getting back into athletics and going to the Special Olympics because it is like a whole different world there,” Bawden said.
“Everyone is friendly and people were coming over to the events to talk to and support you.
“It is just so different out there in the world to everyday life.”
Bawden attributes his success to his hard-working coach and mentor Sally Taylor and looks up to fellow South Australian athlete Jess Trengrove.
“They both make a significant impact on the way I think when I am running,” he said.
“They just say make sure you keep running, keep pushing and find your nice space and you want to push it right to the end.
“If you have not thrown up by the end of the race, well you have still got more to give.”
