MULTI-GOLD medallist Paralympian Amy Winters scored further sporting success at a ceremony in Sydney on Wednesday.
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The Kempsey-born and raised former athlete was one of five inductees to the prestigious NSW Hall of Champions, which honours 341 of Australia’s most accomplished sports men and women as far back as 1876.
Winters joined boxer Kosta Tsyzu, yachtsman Colin Beashel, golfer Craig Parry and Aussie rules full-forward Tony Lockett for the ceremony at Sydney Olympic Park Sports Centre, the home of the Hall of Champions.
“There was a luncheon for the five of us that included a presentation and citation,” she told The Argus.
“It was nice to reflect on my athletic career.
“The Hall of Champions is an illustrious list of many of the greats of Australian sport and to be considered among that group is extremely humbling.”
Winters’ achievements at the Paralympics included gold medals in three Games for the 200 metres T46 events.
In all, the arm amputee athlete won five golds and two bronzes between 1996 and 2004, as well as two gold medals and two silvers in consecutive International Paralympic Committee World Championships.
Of all her sporting feats, the one of which Winters is most proud was the hat-trick-clincher in 2004.
“Winning the 200m gold in Athens meant I was the first Paralympian in Australia to win three successive titles,” she said.
The 39-year-old continues to play a prominent role in the sporting world.
She will travel to London as the manager of marketing and sponsorship with the Australian Paralympic Committee, liaising closely with the athletes participating in this year’s Games and guests.
Winters will also pitch in for the ABC television coverage.
While her competitive career may be behind her, she remains as busy as ever.
“With (my son) Tom, who’s two-and-a-half now and full-time work, I have a full and busy life,” Winters said.
“Like most working mums I don’t get the chance to exercise as much as I would like to.
“I’ll be taking part in the Sydney to Surf this year - I don’t know why I said yes, but I’ll be walking that one.”
The Macleay sporting heroine was quick to thank all those back in her hometown that continued to support her.
“I’m still a Kempsey girl,” she said.
