MADDIE McTernan, who hails from Coffs Harbour, had a sensational meet at the inaugural 2022 Virtus Oceania Asian Games in Brisbane from 5-11 November.

The Games attracted 1000-plus athletes with intellectual impairment from New Zealand, Asia and the Pacific to compete against Australia’s elite athletes.

The former Coffs Harbour Swim Club swimmer dominated the women’s swimming open category, winning five gold medals, two silver medals and two games records; claiming her first individual nternational gold medals for Australia.

In an action packed 50m Backstroke final, the lead changed twice before McTernan finally beat her fifteen-year-old Australian teammate Kael Thompson to claim her first international gold medal.

Maddie swam 33.61 seconds, Kael swam 33.77, and third place went to another up-and-coming Australian swimmer in Airlie Davis who swam 35.09.

In the main event, the women’s 100m Freestyle final, the Australian contingent beat the fancied Japanese and Hong Kong swimmers.

McTernan led from start to finish to dominate the women’s final, winning the gold medal in a time of 1:01.68, with Australia Paralympic teammate Taylor Corey claiming the silver medal in a time of 1:03.36.

Australia claimed a clean sweep of medals, with Jade Lucy taking home the bronze medal in a time of 1:04.86.

McTernan went on to win gold medals in the 50m Freestyle, 200m Backstroke and the mixed 4x100m Freestyle relay.

“I like to thank the Coffs Harbour and Woolgoolga communities and everyone who has supported me and cheered me on for this meet thank you,” McTernan stated.

Maddie’s former coach, Coffs Harbour’s Eugene Brogmus said, “Wow, five gold medals, I will be looking forward to personally catching up and congratulating Maddie and her family.

“She has had a fantastic year for Australia, also for what she has done for Coffs Harbour swimming.

“I am so proud of her.”

Coffs Harbour coach Daniel Bannerman said, “It was so pleasing to be there and watch Maddie win those medals.

“I went up there to surprise her and one of my swimmers, Amelia Moore, who was also competing at this meet.

“To witness both winning medals was a fantastic experience.

“The club is so proud of both Maddie and Amelia’s performances for Australia, the Coffs Harbour Swim Club, and the Mid North coast community.”

Amelia represented Coffs Harbour Swim Club by competing in the Multi Class II-3 events at the games.

She won three gold medals and four silver medals, she also achieved six personal best times from seven races she competed in.