Priya Cooper

Sport: Swimming
Events: 400m Free
Date of Birth: 02/10/74
Height: 170cm
Age: 27

Priya Cooper made her international swimming debut when she went to her first Paralympics at the Barcelona Games in 1992. Since those successful Games, Priya has continued to exceed in swimming and has also received many personal accolades.

Priya’s personal achievements are many. Priya has been an Australia Day Ambassador for many years, has been awarded Young Australian of the Year for Sport, has received the prestigious Australian Paralympic Committee Merit Award for contribution to the Paralympic Movement and also the Inaugural John Curtin Special Achievement Medal by Curtin University.

Priya was the winner of the WA Disabled Sports Association Sports Star of the Year and was also nominated for the Western Australian Sports Champion of the Year to name but a few of her achievements.

Priya is such an accomplished swimmer and her list of sporting achievements is impressive.

1992 Paralympic Games in Barcelona
Gold medal women's 100m freestyle (Games Record)
Gold medal women's 50m freestyle (World Record)
Gold medal women's individual medley (World Record)
Silver medal women's 400m freestyle
Silver medal women's 100 backstroke

1996 Paralympic Games in Atlanta
Gold medal women's 400m freestyle (World Record)
Gold medal women's 100m backstroke (Games Record)
Gold medal women's 200m individual medley (World Record)
Gold medal women's 100m freestyle (Games Record)
Gold medal women's 4x100m freestyle relay (World Record)
Silver medal women's 50m freestyle
Bronze medal women's 100m butterfly

2000 Paralympic Games in Sydney
Gold medal in the Women’s 400m Freestyle
Bronze medal women’s 100m Freestyle
Bronze medal women’s 4x100m Freestyle Relay
Bronze medal women’s 4x100m Freestyle Relay
Bronze medal women’s 4x100m Medley Relay
4th in the women’s 100m Backstroke
5th in the women’s 200m Individual Medley
5th in the women’s 50m Freestyle

Megabite was so excited when told he was interviewing Priya and here’s what they chatted about……..

Megabite Apple:
Hi Priya, it’s so cool to finally meet you. You have won so many medals, that I was wondering who has been your toughest opponent?
Priya Cooper:
Keren Leibovitch, an Israeli swimmer at the Sydney Games.

Megabite Apple:
Keren must have been a tough opponent because she won a few gold medals, didn’t she. Priya, what has been your worst ever injury?
Priya Cooper:
Just before the Sydney Games having my shoulder operated on. I didn't have a lot of time left. But the results were good.

Megabite Apple:
Wow that’s amazing, and you went on to do so well – will nothing stop you! What do you think has been your biggest achievement in Swimming?
Priya Cooper:
Winning gold at the Sydney Games after all the operation and hard times leading up. I’m also about to do a 20km swim so that could take over!

Megabite Apple:
Gosh, doing so well at the Sydney Games was certainly an enormous achievement, but a 20km swim that’s amazing! Have you ever had a losing streak?
Priya Cooper:
Not really a losing streak but I have had times where I’m very low and finding it hard to stay motivated and achieve my goals.

Megabite Apple:
Motivation can be very hard to find, so can you tell us how you overcome these bad times?
Priya Cooper:
To overcome this I try to stay positive and focus on my goals. Support around you is essential.

Megabite Apple:
That’s great advice. So eating healthy must also help you stay positive, because if you are eating well you must have a better chance of doing well. Priya, what are your favourite fruits?
Priya Cooper:
Bananas.

Megabite Apple:
Banana’s are a great energy food! But surely apples would also have to be a favourite….So what are your favourite vegetables?
Priya Cooper:
Broccoli.

Megabite Apple:
Yum! And don’t forget fruit and veg give you the edge! What is your favourite food in general?
Priya Cooper:
Steak and mash potato.

Megabite Apple:
Priya, can you please tell me, if you hadn’t turned out to be such a legend swimmer, what do you think you would have chosen to do as a career?
Priya Cooper:
Definitely a TV Presenter and also help children with disabilities.

Megabite Apple:
What a great idea – can you invite me on TV if you are presenting! So, what do you like to do in your spare time?
Priya Cooper:
I love to go out for dinner, gossip with friends and see movies.

Megabite Apple:
You sound very busy. Who is your hero?
Priya Cooper:
A young girl by the name of Meg. She taught me so much in a short time. She never let anything get in her way.

Megabite Apple:
Meg sounds very inspirational, I can see why you are so positive. Do you have any nicknames?
Priya Cooper:
COOPS

Megabite Apple:
That’s such a cool nickname! What do you think is the best thing about playing sport?
Priya Cooper:
Being around positive people.

Megabite Apple:
What a fantastic job! What is your favourite motto?
Priya Cooper:
Success is A Choice.

Megabite Apple:
Wow, I’ve never heard that – it’s some great advice. Priya, I’ve been dying to ask you, what was the best thing about competing in the Paralympic Games?
Priya Cooper:
Working towards a goal and being part of a team.

Megabite Apple:
It really does go to show that hard work, determination and team work are so important. Keep doing so well and eating lots of fruit and veg and I hope to see you at the 2004 Paralympic Games!