Inspired by a heartwarming message of support from Kyle Chalmers while ‘the King’ was holidaying in Las Vegas, Australian Paralympic swimmer Ben Hance delivered on his promise to honour his late father by winning gold at the Paris Paralympics.
Hance – who lost his father Tony in March – celebrated his emotional win in the 100m backstroke by straddling the lane rope and blowing a kiss to the heavens in honour of his dad.
“I was just thanking my father for everything he’s done,” he said.
“He always loved my backstroke and I’m glad I gave him a gold medal tonight for sure.
“He was supposed to be in the stands. My sister, my auntie, my cousins are in the stands now. This is super special.”
Hance was a heavy favourite to win the gold after he won the same event at Tokyo and claimed the last two world titles but under enormous expectation and heartache.
He broke the world record at the Australian trials in June despite still mourning the death of his father then broke it again during the heats in Paris before easily winning the final in a time of 57.04, a full second and a half clear of the runner up, Gabriela Bandeira.
“I’m relieved, very relieved,” Hance said.
“There’s no pressure with the first one but everyone expects you to win the second one.
“This has been the worst year of my life by far.
“I’m just glad this season’s over, I’m glad I got a gold medal now. And, hell, even getting a world record. I’ve over accomplished this season by a country mile.”
Hance – who trains with Chalmers at Ash Delaney’s high performance squad in Queensland – said he received a beautiful message from his teammate and coach before the race.
“I have a funny story. Kyle actually gave me a call from Vegas today with Ash as well, they’re over on a Vegas trip at the moment,” Hance said.
“They gave me a call, which is really nice. UFC. O’Malley this weekend. How exciting, Kyle’s a massive Sean O’Malley fan. He wished me the best of luck and said ‘you’ve got this.’
