Paracanoe star Curtis McGrath has been named as one of four new Board Directors at Paralympics Australia.
The three-time Paralympic champion will join fellow Paralympians Ellie Cole and Matthew Nicholls and sports marketing expert Michael Bushell following their appointment.
Cole, Nicholls and Bushell started their tenure from April 1, while McGrath is due to begin the role on October 1 following the Paris 2024 Paralympics.
The quartet were appointed after a highly competitive recruitment process which began last December.
McGrath is a two-time Paralympian, three-time Paralympic gold medallist and a 11-time world champion.
The 36-year-old currently serves on Paralympics Australia’s Athlete Commission and is the co-captain of the Australian team for the Paralympics.
He will be aiming to enjoy more Paralympic glory at Paris 2024 after winning KL2 gold at Rio 2016 before retaining his title and adding the VL3 crown to his collection at Tokyo 2020.
"It is an exciting time ahead," said McGrath.
"I am excited by the new position, to be an athlete and a part of the Paralympics Australia Board.
"This is opportunity allows the athletes to be involved in the decision and strategy that creates an environment that Paralympians can excel in.
"Being a part of the board ensures that the athlete voice is a part of those moments to help steer the organisation towards a bright future."
Among the other new Paralympics Australia Directors is Cole who is one of Australia’s most decorated Paralympians having competed at four Games.
Over the course of her remarkable Para-swimming career, Cole secured 17 Paralympic medals, including six gold, five silver, and six bronze medals.
Nicholls is a Paralympian who competed at the Nagano 1998 Winter Paralympic Games, representing Australia in Para-alpine skiing.
Bushell brings more than 40 years of experience in the sports marketing industry.
The new appointees will join Creagh, Vice President Grant Mizens, Tim Carmody, Rebecca Frizelle and Kate Jones as Paralympics Australia Directors.
“The addition of Ellie, Matthew and Michael to our Board, and Curtis later in the year, comes at an exciting and pivotal time for our organisation and I have no doubt that the experience and expertise they bring will be extremely beneficial for the Australian Paralympic movement,” said Paralympics Australia President Alison Creagh.
“I extend my congratulations to our new Directors on their appointments and look forward to watching them take on the great challenge, responsibility and opportunity that comes with being on Paralympics Australia’s Board of Directors.”
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