Melissa Carlton

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Melissa Carlton

Melissa Paula Carlton (South Africa, 1978- ) is a former Australian paralympian. Born an amputee, Melissa won gold medals for Australia at both the Barcelona and Atlanta Paralympics, and at several world competitions, and held the world record for the 400 metres freestyle.

She remains a prominent sports administrator and a strong advocate for athletes with disabilities as a member of the Tasrad board (The Tasmanian Sport & Recreation Association for People with a Disability), and as a member of the Tasmanian and Australian Paralympic Committees.

She is a sought-after speaker who performs motivational speeches at local schools and volunteers her services for various not-for-profit institutions.

[edit] Summary of achievements

1992: won a gold medal at the Barcelona Paralympics

1994: won a gold medal at the Victoria Commonwealth Games (Canada); received the D. R. Plaister Award for Disabled Athletes

1995: Silver Award in Mercury-Purity Sports Star of the Year, D. R. Plaister Award for Disabled Athletes

1996: at the Atlanta Paralympics won: a bronze medal in the 100 metres (109 yards) backstroke, silver medals in the 100 metres butterfly and the 100 metres freestyle, gold medals in the 400 metres (437 yards) freestyle and the 4 x 100 metre freestyle relay. Named Sportswomen's Association Athlete of the Year, Sportmen's and Sportswomen's Disabled Athlete of the Year.

1999: awarded a senior scholarship to the Tasmanian Institute of Sport.

2000: at the Sydney Paralympics won two silver medals and one bronze. Won the Tasmanian Institute of Sports Female Athlete of the Year Award.

2001: received the Tasmanian Athlete with a Disability of the Year award.