Cheering on Paralympian Col Pearse
Fonterra will be cheering on Col Pearse, an Australian Paralympic swimmer and son of Fonterra suppliers at next month’s Paralympic Games in Paris.
The Pearse family, led by Teena and Julian, are dairy farmers on the outskirts of Echuca in northern Victoria, and are long-term suppliers and valued members of our Fonterra community, and we are excited to follow Col's journey to Paris with them.
Col’s story was recently featured in a short film by Woolworths, one of our partners, highlighting the community and family spirit that drives his commitment and dedication to the sport.
Julian, Col (with dog, Dixie) and Teena Pearse standing at the dam Col used to train for the Paralympics. Image and video credit: Woolworths Group.
The film shows the true story of how Col trained for the Paralympics in a dam on his family’s farm, which they appropriately named, the Pearse Aquatic Centre.
Featured alongside Col in the film are his biggest supporters and loudest cheer squad members; his parents Teena and Julian, family, and friends from the local community who have supported him throughout his career.
It captures the essence of family life on a dairy farm, coupled with the strength of a local community that’s helped Col realise his dreams of competing on the world stage. It shows there are no limits to success – whether it’s in the dam or the pool, Col’s story is one of grit and great Aussie spirit.
Col made his Paralympic debut at the Tokyo 2020 games where he claimed bronze in the men’s 100m butterfly S10 and is heading to Paris to contest in the pool once again.
We extend our congratulations to Col on qualifying for the Paris games. The entire Fonterra community will be cheering him on when the Paralympics begin at the end of August.
Thank you to Woolworths for highlighting Col's wonderful journey.
Woolworths is currently showing the film across television networks nationally in the lead up to the Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games. The “Fresh fuels the Best in All of Us” campaign shares the stories of Australian athletes, like Col, as they prepare to take the world stage and compete for gold.
The Paralympics will be held in Paris from 28 August – 8 September 2024.