WAIS Mourns Loss of Para-Sport Legend Bruce Wallrodt OAM

The Western
Australian Institute of Sport extends its condolences and respect to the family
and friends of Paralympic great Bruce Wallrodt OAM, who passed away earlier
this month. 

Bruce was a
scholarship athlete with WAIS during the 1990s and his legacy and achievements
in para-sport, are beautifully conveyed via the following Paralympic Australia tribute:

The Australian
Paralympic community is in mourning following the passing of five-time
Paralympian Bruce Wallrodt OAM, aged 67, on Tuesday (2 July).

Wallrodt made
his Paralympic debut more than 30 years ago at the Seoul 1988 Paralympic Summer
Games. He won three medals – two gold, one bronze – in Para-athletics,
setting the tone for a stunning career that spanned five Paralympic Games and
inspired dozens of other young Australians with a disability who dreamed of
representing their country.

Between 1988 and
2004, Wallrodt reached the Paralympic podium nine times. He won four gold,
three silver and two bronze medals, as well as two gold medals at the 1990
World Championships.

Paralympics
Australia Chief Executive Officer Lynne Anderson said that Wallrodt’s
contribution to Paralympic sport was immeasurable.

“Paralympics
Australia was deeply saddened to learn of Bruce’s passing, and our heartfelt
condolences are with his family and friends, including those who competed
alongside him at the Paralympic Games,” Anderson said.

“Bruce knew what
it took to excel at the highest level, and his determination to reach new
heights inspired a generation of young Australians with a disability to aim
high. He will be sorely missed.”

Esteemed
Para-athletics coach Chris Nunn recalled: “Brucey was one of the first serious
seated throwers, and really set the benchmark for seated throwers to come. He
gained respect throughout the world for his competitiveness, and his discipline
and commitment to training was unlike many we had seen.”

And where there
was Wallrodt, there was Terry Giddy.

The two met
through and bonded over Paralympic sport, but their friendship lasted well
after both their Paralympic careers had ended. Giddy, a six-time Paralympian
and celebrated seated thrower in his own right, last spoke to Wallrodt just
last week.

“He didn’t let
on that he was crook, but that’s Bruce.

“I think that I
can say that he’s the best mate I’ve had. It’s a rare, rare friendship between
two blokes who changed their lives together.

“He was just a
bloody good bloke.”

Wallrodt became
a Member of the Order of Australia in 1993 and was presented with the
Australian Sports Medal in 2000.

By Lauren
Robertson, Paralympics Australia