Graduate's golden goal
AUT graduate Cameron Leslie is preparing to defend his Paralympic title at this year’s London Paralympics in the 150 metre individual medley.
Leslie, who thrilled the AUT community in 2008 by winning gold in a world record time at the Beijing Paralympic Games, will also be competing in the 50 metre backstroke and 200 metre freestyle.
The Bachelor of Communications graduate, 22, says London 2012 will be completely different to Beijing as he is now the favourite.
“Last time I went in as a fresh-faced 18-year-old and came out a Paralympic champion and world record holder. This time I'm the hunted rather than the hunter.”
Leslie says defending a Paralympic title requires a significant financial commitment, something he is attempting to offset by selling “Team Cameron” supporter t-shirts.
Support Cameron
The shirts have been designed by Auckland based t-shirt company Mr Vintage, known widely for their witty shirts and supporting New Zealand charities.
“For me it's not about the money, it's about the sentiment knowing I have a big crew supporting me back home, wearing a shirt with my name on it."
The Paralympics occur once every four years, usually two weeks after the Olympics finish and in the same city.
Leslie has left New Zealand and is currently on a two week training camp in Swansea before he goes for gold in London.
The Paralympic Games will run from 29 August to 9 September. Sky TV will broadcast the events with two one-hour highlight packages screening in the morning and early evening.