TOKYO Paralympic Silver medalist and former Coffs Harbour swimming star Madeleine McTernan has been presented with a certificate of appreciation on behalf of Coffs Harbour City Council for competing in the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic games.

The presentation took place before the Coffs Harbour Summer Splash last weekend (15-16 January).

Councillor George Cecato made the presentations which included a beautiful gift by Mullaway artist Tulli Stevens, a proud Gumbaynggirr woman.

Maddie and her family came back to Coffs Harbour to personally thank the Coffs Harbour Swim Club, her former coach Eugene Brogmus, and the Coffs Harbour public for their kind support when she was competing at 2020 Tokyo Paralympic Games.

Maddie presented plaques, memorabilia and swimsuits to Eugene and the Coffs Harbour Swim Club.

“It’s important to me to give back to those that contributed to my journey in winning my silver medal at the Tokyo paralympic games,” said Maddie.

“Eugene and Coffs Harbour Swim Club built a strong foundation for me making the Australian team.

“Now, it’s my turn to give back and help the next generation of Coffs swimmers to hopefully achieve their dreams and hopefully they too can go on to represent Australia.”

Maddie further stated, she was so humbled to have so many swimmers and parents queuing up to have a photo with her with her silver medal and also signing numerous autographs.

“Maddie is so appreciative and overwhelmed for receiving the gifts from the Coffs Harbour City Council,” said Maddie’s mum Allison.

Coach Eugene Brogmus said, “I was humbled and honoured to receive this wonderful plaque from Maddie and her family in recognition of being part of her silver medal performance for Australia.

“I am looking forward to seeing what Maddie will achieve for Australia in 2022.”

Coffs Harbour Swim Club President Daniel Bannerman said, “The Club was overwhelmed by Maddie and her family’s generosity.

“In honour of both Maddy Gough and Maddie McTernan, the club have dedicated both a 1500m freestyle and 100m Backstroke trophy and plaque.”

Paul McTernan said, “It’s time for Maddie and our family to give back to both the Coffs Harbour Swim Club and the Coffs community by helping to inspire the next generation of swimmers coming through.

“It was fantastic to hear the Coffs Harbour City Council investing monies to provide the Coffs Harbour Memorial Olympic pool with solar heating, this is a great investment providing quality facilities to train at.

“If the Council invests in new Olympic starting blocks and backstroke wedges in the near future, this will attract and also keep the best swimmers and coaches in Coffs Harbour, instead of them moving to Queensland.

“The 2032 Brisbane games is only ten years away, it’s time to invest in Coffs swimming talent as I am confident a swimmer from Coffs Harbour will be competing at 2032 games.”