Ellie Cole graces cover of Maxim, tops Hot 100 list

Australia’s most decorated Paralympian Ellie Cole has made it to the cover of the 2021 Ultra Tune MAXIM HOT 100.

Along with Cole, countrymate and wheelchair racer Madison de Rozario, who has two gold, three silver and a bronze from the last three Paralympic Games, also figures in the list.

“Never has there been a better time for minority groups to have the spotlight and the opportunities to showcase their authentic selves.

“I have always been inspired to set an example and start the conversation on embracing differences. Awareness is a powerful thing,” said Cole, in an interview with Maxim.

“This Maxim cover is reframing the message of diversity and normalising the portrayal of people with disabilities. To have an opportunity like this is very humbling,” added Cole, who has in all accumulated 17 medals in total over four games that includes six gold, five silver and six bronze.

At the recently concluded Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, Cole won a silver in the 4 x 100 freestyle relay and bronze in the 4 x 100 medley relay. Her effort also allowed her to leapfrog legendary Australian Para swimmer Priya Cooper’s tally of 16.

“It was quite emotional coming towards the end and to be able to finish my Paralympic experience on a relay was wonderful, I couldn't have asked for more,” Cole had said after her medal winning performance.

One of the stars of the Netflix documentary ‘Rising Phoenix’, Cole speaking to Maxim about her approach and experience during the Tokyo Games, said, “Over the Tokyo campaign, I finally learnt to be grateful for whatever comes. In preparation, we learnt to let go of whatever stood in our way. Before the Games even began, athletes were realising that sport was a celebration and not just a means to an end. It really took the pressure off and focused the spotlight on enjoying the experience.”