Tokyo Paralympics: Australia’s 60-year-old Carol Cooke takes home cycling silver

Australia has won a 50th medal at the Tokyo Paralympics.

Carol Cooke — who turned 60 less than four weeks ago — brought up Australia’s half century when she took silver in the women’s T1-T2 time trial.

One of six Aussie road cyclists to win medals today, she became the second-oldest Australian women to get on the podium at the Paralympics.

Speaking to media earlier this year, Cooke said a positive attitude was crucial to her success after three gold medals across two separate Games.

“I’m waiting for the day that the head coach goes, ‘Carol, I think it’s time to go’, but that hasn’t happened yet, so I’ll just keep going till he says that to me,” she said.

“I automatically assume this would definitely be my last Games.

“I’d be 63 [in Paris 2024] and I’m thinking I don’t think I can keep going the way the younger women are getting much faster, much stronger now.”

Cooke, a former Canadian police officer, had originally targeted a spot in the swim team after being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis at age 36.

A move to rowing didn’t lead to paralympic success but a teammate’s suggestion to take up cycling changed everything from Cooke.

At 51 years of age, Cooke made her first Paralympic Games in London in 2012. Now she stands as a silver medallist in Tokyo.

In Australia’s other cycling results, South Australia’s Darren Hicks won gold in the men’s C2 time trial, Emily Petricola led compatriot Meg Lemon home in the women’s C4 time trial to win silver and bronze, Paige Greco claimed bronze in the women’s C1-3 time trial and Alistair Donohoe nabbed bronze in his men’s C5 time trial.