Catrin Culla is an 18 year old swimmer for Special Olympics Redlands, Queensland.
In March 2019 Caitlin was chosen from a selection of 3000 athletes who competed in Nationals in Adelaide earlier in the year, to represent Australia in the Special Olympics Games in Abu Dhabi.
She swam in events 50m Freestyle, Backstroke and Breastroke also 100m Freestyle, which she received gold and bronze medals for at Nationals.
Queensland X-Ray were proud to support Caitlin and raise awareness of Special Olympics Australia, who provide sports training, competition opportunities and development programs for people with intellectual disabilities.
“We can now all say, we know an Olympian. Catrin had a fantastic time over in Abu Dhabi and Dubai in the recent Special Olympics World Games that were held in March 2019.
This was her first international meet and what an adventure she had. We went over with the motto of “Do your best, have fun and enjoy every minute”
Not only did she do that but she won! Gold, Bronze and placed 4th in her races. Gold was for the 50m Freestyle in which she did a 4.2 sec personal best. Bronze was in the 50m Freestyle relay and 4th place was in 100m Freestyle that she did over a 10 second personal best.
Team Australia dominated in the pool and all athletes were rewarded with medals. The event was spectacular and exceeded all expectations. This has now given her the confidence and drive to continue her swimming and aim for the next Olympics that will be held in Germany in 4 years time.” – Michelle, Catrin’s mother