Brad Scott announces his retirement

“I still enjoy running, but know that I have value to give in other areas.”

After giving his all for over 10 years as a middle-distance runner, Australia’s three-time Paralympic medallist Brad Scott announced his retirement and will now devote himself to instil confidence and self-awareness in the next generation of athletes.

Scott began thinking about retiring from athletics following his sixth place finish in the men’s 1,500m T37 at the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games.

“It was not the Games I thought it would be in terms of performance, in that I worked so hard but did not get the result I was looking for,” said Scott.

“In a way they were my favourite Games because I learned so much about myself. I still enjoy running, but know that I have value to give in other areas.”

He won his first Paralympic medal in Beijing, China, in 2008, a silver in the 800m T37, and followed that up with one silver in the 1,500m T37 and one bronze in the 800m T37 at London 2012.

Scott, who has already completed a degree in Exercise and Coaching Science at the University of Canberra, will return home to Bunbury to undertake full-time study in primary education at the Edith Cowan University.

The 28-year-old, who has cerebral palsy, says that his parents had two choices – to either use his impairment as an excuse to avoid potentially dangerous situations or to inspire him to pursue excellence.

He admitted that it is going to take a moment to adjust to his new career path, but is excited by the possibilities and comfortable in the knowledge that he will “still be living a life of purpose.”

Scott also thanks the Australian Paralympic Committee (APC) for its support throughout the years.

“The APC not only helped me become a greater athlete but a greater person. They helped me to understand more about myself.”

More information can be found on the Australian Paralympic Committee’s website.