1972
Our stories
The 1972 Games saw the start of a move away from ‘all-rounders’ to athletes specialising in events. Australia finished eleventh on the medal table.
Australia at the Heidelberg Summer Paralympics 1972
Australia at the Heidelberg Summer Paralympics 1972Our stories
List of the members of the 1972 Australian Paralympic Team for the Heidelberg Games, with links to the members’ Wikipedia articles.
1972 Summer Paralympics Australian Team List
1972 Summer Paralympics Australian Team List
When smoking cigars on the plane was part of the experience.
When smoking cigars on the plane was part of the experience.
The athletes were still being carried from the planes
The athletes were still being carried from the planes
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Australian Wheelpast Heidelberg Summer Paralympics
Australian Wheelpast Heidelberg Summer Paralympics
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And then they’re off! In the 1972 wheelchair dash.
And then they’re off! In the 1972 wheelchair dash.
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Frank Ponta's 1972 nomination woes may have cost him a medal
Hear Frank Ponta talk about missing out on the pentathlon at the 1972 Heidelberg Paralympics
Hear Frank Ponta talk about missing out on the pentathlon at the 1972 Heidelberg Paralympics
Precision javelin – where accuracy matters more than distance
Precision javelin – where accuracy matters more than distance
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Tracey Freeman won 3 gold medals with 3 world records
Tracey Freeman won 3 gold medals with 3 world records
The 1972 Paralympic swimming venue – a lot like your local aquatic centre
The 1972 Paralympic swimming venue – a lot like your local aquatic centre
Eric Boulter won Australia’s only swimming gold medal
Eric Boulter won Australia’s only swimming gold medal
Pauline English was Australia’s youngest in Heidelberg
Pauline English was Australia’s youngest in Heidelberg
Pauline English with one of her three bronze medals
Pauline English with one of her three bronze medals
Table Tennis is one of the original Paralympic sports
Table Tennis is one of the original Paralympic sports
GALLERY: Tracey Freeman was the Australian star of the 1972 Paralympics
GALLERY: Tracey Freeman was the Australian star of the 1972 ParalympicsOur stories
Looking for more about the 1972 summer Paralympics? Here are some links you can visit and ideas to find out more.
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