Rio Review | A Proud Finish for Scott

Returning for his third Paralympic Games, Western Australian T38 1500m runner Brad Scott had high expectations of himself to succeed.

After putting in over four years of training and preparations for the one race Scott came away with a pang of disappointment following his performance.

Despite the outcome, he still continuously made his way down to the track to soak up the atmosphere and show his team mates the support they needed to get over the line. 

 This weeks Rio Review includes a recount of the experiences of track athlete Brad Scott.

 

How did you feel when you found out about your selection for Rio?

Given that I’ve been to two Paralympics previously, I’d be lying if I said it was as exciting as either of those. However, it’s still hard to hide that smile when you find out that you’ve made the team. 

What did the lead up to Rio entail for you?

I was fortunate to spend a fair bit of my Rio preparation training at WAIS. You don’t really need to venture too far when you have world class facilities at home.

A month before the games my squad and I joined the rest of the Australian Athletics Team in Florida, USA. We had our staging camp at the IMG Academy in Tampa. We trained there for three weeks then headed to the athlete’s version of Disneyland. 

What were your first thoughts when you reached the athlete village?

Leading up to the Games, I didn’t hear too many positive things about Rio or the village. However, the Brazilians knew how to look after us so when I arrived, as an athlete, I was just in awe of the amazing facilities. I had nothing to complain about.

What was the best thing about the athlete village?

The Australian Paralympic Team HQ and the Casual Dining Hall. Our team HQ was a communal place where athletes form all sports went to eat breakfast, get treatment, or just socialize. The CDH [Casual Dining Hall] was only a few minutes walk from our building and it offered everything that we required, plus it had outdoor seating which was a perfect way to get some vitamin D.

Did you have to share a room?

I didn’t. had a whole room, plus ensuite to myself. Very fortunate. 

How did you feel in the lead up to your race?

Even though some unfortunate things happened in the lead up to my race, working with the Australian medical team (doctors, physios, psychologists) I was able to reach a place of confidence and belief.

How did you feel once you’d finished your race?

Honestly, disappointed… I wasn’t expecting to perform as poorly as I did. I have never been in that situation before. After 4+ years of hard work and dedication, it’s a hard reality to accept. However, knowing that I gave it everything in the race, I came out of that negative space quickly.

Did you get up to anything else while you were in Rio?

After my race, I spent most of my time heading to the track to watch my mates compete. The atmosphere in that stadium was awesome. I didn’t want to leave. 

Did you manage to pick up any souvenirs? 

Just the iconic Tom Doll. I couldn’t leave without buying one for my son.

Would you ever go back to Rio?

Who knows, there are many places that I would like to visit. Seeing that I never had the opportunity to see the sights in Rio I would like to think so.

What is your favourite memory form your time in Rio? 

Waking up each morning and venturing on to the balcony to eat my breakfast. From there, I had the view of the entire village along with the amazing Brazilian landscape. it was a beautiful start to each day.