Curtis McGrath
Para-Canoeist
Curtis was the first Paralympic athlete to be named "Sportsman of the Year" at the World Paddle Awards and Australian Canoeing Paracanoeist of the Year in 2017.
Curtis was honoured with an Order of Australia Medal in 2017.
Curtis tells his extraordinary story in his book, Blood Sweat and Steel.
Curtis McGrath
Age
37
Sport
Para-Canoeing
Paralympics
Rio 2016
Tokyo 2021
Paris 2024
Lives in
Gold Coast, Queensland
Curtis's story
When Curtis McGrath lost his legs in Afghanistan, he joked to the soldiers who stretchered him to the rescue chopper “you guys will see me in the Paralympics”.
He was serving in the Australian Army as a combat engineer in 2012 when he stepped on an improvised explosive device (IED). Less than two years after becoming a bilateral amputee, Curtis started to make good his promise when he took up sprint canoeing.
Interview with Curtis
“I’m a big believer in the power of sport to aid recovery and rehabilitation, but also for our general health. Sport can play a massive role in how we feel, both mentally and physically. It can motivate us to live a healthier and happier life.”
For Curtis, competing in the 2016 Rio Paralympic Games was the pinnacle of his healing journey. He won gold in the first ever Paralympic title in the men’s KL3 canoe sprint. As he crossed the line, he slumped into his kayak with exhaustion and a huge feeling of relief.
“I believe 100 percent that I found my purpose in sport. I gave myself a goal in my rehabilitation and recovery, and it was amazing to think I’d achieved everything I’d set out for.”
Sport played an integral part of Curtis' rehabilitation. It provided him with a sense of purpose and identity.
“To wake up every day and try to be better than you were the day before is tough. After Tokyo, it was important for me to have some time to rest. I loved the opportunity to spend some time with my family and do things I don't often get to do, like learning how to ski.”
Curtis defended his gold at the Tokyo Paralympics. After two Paralympic Games and three gold medals, he gave himself a well-deserved break in 2022 before he started training for Paris. He believes rest, both physical and mental, is everything for an athlete.
"We work so hard to become Paralympians so it feels amazing to have Bupa's support to help me focus on my goals and ambitions"
For Curtis, downtime and sleep are non-negotiable for his health and wellbeing.
“I make a rule for myself to do no work after dinnertime. It’s my time to unwind, watch a movie and get ready for sleep. It’s amazing how much better you can do in sport, or anything in life, if you get good sleep.”
Did you know?
- Curtis was the first Paralympic athlete to be named 'Sportsman of the Year' at the World Paddle Awards and Australian Canoeing Para Canoeist of the Year in 2017.
- Curtis is also a twelve times world champion.
- Curtis was the Australian Captain in the Inaugural Invictus Games in 2014.
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