Priya Cooper OAM

Sport: Swimming

Age: 29

Sports Classification: S8

From: Perth, W.A.

International Debut: 1992 Paralympics - Barcelona, Spain

INTERNATIONAL RECORD:

Paralympics

1992: 3 Gold, 2 Silver. 2 World Records, 3 Paralympic Records. Chosen to carry Australian flag to Closing Ceremony. Awarded Order of Australia Medal.

1996: Selected as Female Australian Team Captain. 5 Gold, 1 Silver, 1 Bronze. 3 World Records, 5 Paralympic Records. Selected to carry Australian flag to Closing Ceremony.

2000: 1 Gold, 3 Bronze.

World Championships

1994: 5 Gold from 5 events. 4 World Records. Australian Team Captain.

1998: 3 Gold, 2 Silver. 2 World Records.

Other

1995: Pre-Paralympic Trials, Atlanta Georgia USA. 8 Gold from 8 events, 1 World Record

1997: Chosen to swim in the USA Summer Nationals.

1998 British National Swimming Championships. 4 Gold, 1 Bronze, 1 World Record.

Interesting Facts
Priya Cooper was born with Cerebral Palsy and began swimming at a young age for therapy. In 1991, whilst swimming at a school carnival, Priya was selected to represent Wheelchair Sports WA at the 1991 National Wheelchair Games, winning 9 gold medals. Priya debuted internationally at the 1992 Paralympics in Barcelona. Her performances earnt Priya an Order of Australia Medal.
Priya has since been inducted into the Australian Institute of Sport Hall of Fame, received numerous WA Disabled Sports and Wheelchair Sports WA Sports nominations and awards. Before the Sydney Paralympics, Priya suffered a severe shoulder injury that eventually required surgery. Despite this, Priya still qualified for the Paralympics in 5 events.
Priya has now retired from elite swimming, and spends her time in Public Speaking roles around the country, and regularly makes speeches to corporate and government groups.