- Ben Austin
Benjamin James Austin (born 7 November 1980 in
Wellington, New South Wales ) is anElite Athlete with a Disability (EAD) swimmer forAustralia . His classification is S8 (above elbow amputee). Ben enjoysphotography ,bird watching ,bushwalking ,hunting , movies and music. He is also alifeguard and anadministrative assistant , and is nicknamed "Austo" or "Windmill".Biography
Austin was born as a normal baby. However, no doctor was there when he was born, and an unnoticed complication meant a trip by air ambulance to Sydney two weeks later and the amputation of his left arm. Apparently, it got tangled with his
umbilical cord .Austin played rugby,
basketball andwater polo . After his three sisters swam in state championships, Austin decided to give swimming a try. It was at his first disability state championships where he was noticed by the head coach.2002 Manchester Commonwealth Games
2006 Melbourne Commonwealth Games
External links
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* [http://www.melbourne2006.com.au/Participants/Participants?ID=110395 2006 Commonwealth Games Profile]
* [http://www.ausswim.telstra.com.au/news/news_item.cfm?ObjectID=8313&from=news Australian Swimming News Article:The Ben Austin Story]
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