APC President honours Kosmala, Modra

Libby Kosmala of Australia competes in the Mixed R6-50m Free Rifle Prone SH1 Qualification Shooting competition at the Beijing 2008 Paralympics © • Getty Images

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“They are two of our most brilliant Paralympians whose individual successes at the Paralympic Games are exceptional and whose service to sport is admirable."

Australian Paralympic Committee (APC) President Greg Hartung paid tribute to Paralympic legends Libby Kosmala and Kieran Modra, who were awarded the President’s Medal for Excellence in Sportsmanship at the 2012 Paralympian of the Year Awards last Thursday (8 November).

The prestigious award, which recognises athletes who embody the values of respect, honour, fairness, modesty and integrity, has been awarded only twice before, to wheelchair racer Kurt Fearnley (2008) and alpine skier Toby Kane (2010).

Hartung said Kosmala and Modra, both from Adelaide, are shining examples of sportsmanship in Australia and are deserved winners.

“It is my absolute pleasure to publicly recognise and honour Libby and Kieran’s career achievements,” he told the APC. “They are two of our most brilliant Paralympians whose individual successes at the Paralympic Games are exceptional and whose service to sport is admirable.

“Both have been involved in Paralympic sport for a long time and have watched it transform into the pinnacle of elite sport for athletes with a disability. With their years of experience, not only are they outstanding role models to their fellow team members but are outstanding representatives of the Paralympic movement.”

Kosmala, a shooter, is one of Australia’s most successful ever Paralympians, ranking fifth on the list of Australia’s leading Paralympic medallists, with nine gold and three silver medals.

After a career extending over four decades, the 70-year-old continued to win world cup medals and compete at the top of her sport in the lead-up to the London 2012 Paralympic Games.

A medal prospect at every 11 Games she attended as an athlete, Kosmala made the final in the 10m air rifle standing in London, an event she won in 1984 with a world record. Her score going into the final in 2012 was 10 points better than the 1984 world record, and just 1 point behind Australian bronze medallist Natalie Smith.

“Libby is one of those rare people who have managed to combine sporting excellence with a successful family and working life and a quiet, determined quest for equity and recognition for people with a disability,” Hartung said.

“That she has been able to do this for more than 40 years is an achievement worthy of recognition through this award.”

Modra, a cyclist, also stands as one of the greatest athletes Australia has ever produced. With five gold and four bronze Paralympic medals, numerous world records and a Paralympic career that spans seven Games, three sports and medals in swimming and cycling, Modra’s commitment and passion for his sport is commendable.

Modra’s enduring perseverance and pursuit of excellence was evident in London when he won gold in the 4km individual pursuit with sighted pilot Scott McPhee. His third gold in the same event in three consecutive Games came less than 10 months after a horrific accident in which he broke vertebrae in his neck.

“This was an achievement which reflected Kieran’s resilience and his determination to overcome any obstacles and achieve his goals,” Hartung said.

“Kieran adds to those qualities a modesty and sense of fair play that have made him one of Australia’s great Paralympic champions, and a deserving recipient of this award.”

The President’s Medal was the only award which honoured the lifelong achievements of Australia’s Paralympic athletes, with the remaining awards presented at last Thursday’s ceremony recognising athletic achievements from the Paralympic Games.