COFFS Harbour native and Paralympic silver medallist Maddie McTernan claimed five multiclass gold medals over the weekend at the Coffs Harbour Swim Club Summer Splash Carnival.

The Gold Coast-based swimmer was also a guest speaker at the carnival after a high-achieving 2023, winning gold and silver medals at the 2023 World Para Swimming Championships held in Manchester in the UK.

In September, she went on to win three gold medals and a silver at the 2023 Australian Short Course Swimming Championships held at the Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre.

Closing the year in December at the Queensland State Championships, she won one gold, three silver and two bronze medals to cap off a stellar 2023 season.

During the event, McTernan presented signed framed photos of her gold medal winning 4 x 100 mixed medley relay teammates Ben Hance, Jake Michel and Paige Leonhardt to the Coffs Harbour Swim Club, her former coach Eugene Brogmus and Coffs Coast News Of The Area reporter Andrea Ferrari.

McTernan also donated several race suits to both the Club and her former coach.

She then took time with her local followers, signing over 80 autographs for swimmers and fans.

“It’s fantastic to be part of the Coffs Harbour Swim Club history,” McTernan told NOTA.

“I had a lot of great memories here growing up in Coffs, it’s great to give back to the club and the Coffs community.

“I am so grateful and appreciative of the kind support over the years, fingers crossed I hope I make the Australian Dolphins swim team again for Paris and get another win for Australia.”

McTernan congratulated the local swimming club on its continued support for multiclass swimmers.

“It’s great to see the new talent emerging,” she said.

“When I started swimming for the club in 2014, I was the only multiclass swimmer in the club, now the club has five promising young swimmers coming through.

“I am looking forward to seeing how these youngsters progress in the future.”