Triathlete Claire McLean is part of a rare breed of athlete. She has represented Australia at Paralympic level in two sports.
When she dived into the waters of Copacabana – becoming a dual Paralympian in the process – it bookended a journey 12 years in the making. McLean first wore the green and gold of Australia at Paralympic level, as a cyclist in 2004 at the Athens Games.
She tells InsideWAIS of her Rio experience, including the pride in achieving her goal, soaking up the unique Brazilian atmosphere and reflecting on her path to Copacabana beach.
How did you feel when you first found out about your Rio selection?
An enormous sense of relief. I had narrowly missed out on previous Paralympic selection and that sort of thing starts to play with your mind and wear you down, so to finally be told I had made the team was like a huge weight had been lifted from my shoulders.
What did your preparation for Rio entail?
Taking time off work to concentrate on training. I organised a pre-Rio training environment for myself and my husband in the USA, to adjust to the time difference, acclimatise to the change in weather and train with some specialist coaches.
Can you recount your recollections of the Rio Athlete Village?
It’s the same as reaching the airport. ID cards are checked, bags go through the x-ray machine and then you wander past security into what is commonly referred to as the “bubble” (AKA the Village). Why a bubble? Because it’s a protected environment and somewhat artificial to what’s going on out in the real world. It’s not a true reflection of the country. First thoughts were that it felt remarkably similar to Athens’ Paralympic village.
What was the best thing about the Athlete Village?
The people. It’s a fishbowl, full of diversity. Not only in terms of disabilities but also in terms of completely different cultures and personalities. It’s a fantastic place to just sit, chill and people watch.
Did you share a room?
I didn’t have to share rooms. There was some good and bad that came with that. The bad, being the room was isolated and extremely small. Think prison cell small.
It’s apparently the “maid’s” room. The good obviously being not having to actually share a room.
One of the best opportunities though, was Triathlon Australia (TA) organising to stay out at a hotel at the race venue because it was too far from the village. That made for an extremely pleasant living arrangement for a few days before the race with a great hotel and balcony opening up to a spectacular view of the ocean. Thank you TA!
How did you feel in the lead up to your race?
Relaxed for the most part. I was ready to race and just wanted to get on with it. I’m not really into all the celebrations that come with being at a Paralympic Games, things like the Opening Ceremony etc don’t really interest me.
The greatest excitement for me is actually the race itself. There is almost a sense of surreal calmness that I experience right before we get in the water, the calm before the storm sort of scenario. It’s like a moment where you catch yourself in the presence and it’s not something I experience very often, so it’s something I treasure regardless of the outcome of the race.
How did you feel once you’d finished your race?
I rarely feel anything less than disappointment after a race. I am, always have been and always will be, my own harshest critic. It’s not often that I’m happy with my race performance. There are times when I’m maybe satisfied with a particular leg of the race but for the most part I seek and desire much more from myself then I will perhaps ever deliver. Rio was no different.
Did you get up to anything else exciting while you were in Rio?
Spending time with a friend and her family who are currently living in Rio. It was an opportunity to live outside the Village and experience the normal daily life things in a completely foreign country. I loved every moment spent with them and it was a great experience.
Did you catch any other Australian athletes in action?
Absolutely. I have some really good friends in Paracycling, so I rode out with them to watch my favourite event the Road Time Trials. I also went to watch the Paracanoe finals and was lucky enough to watch Curtis McGrath win gold for Australia.
Did you manage to pick up any souvenirs from your time in Rio?
My friend that I stayed with, bought me a painted wooden bicycle souvenir whilst we were at the Sugar Loaf cable cars, so it’s one of those memorable items that now sits on a counter top to remind me of good times with good friends.
Would you venture back to Rio?
If there is a race there and someone is picking up the tab, then my bags are already packed!
What is your favourite memory from your time in Rio?
Standing on the swim pontoon, right before the race start, looking out at the magnificent Copacabana beach with the mountains in the backdrop, reflecting on how much it had taken me just to get to that point. Taking an enormous breath, a sigh of relief and then plunging into the water for the start of the race.
