Paralympics mourning Aussie pioneers Coombs, Freeman

Kevin Coombs was the first Indigenous athlete to represent Australia at the Paralympics or Olympics. (James Ross/AAP PHOTOS)

Travelling to the first Paralympics was an achievement in itself for Australian sporting pioneer Kevin Coombs.

Decades later, one of the Paralympic movement's most revered figures would reflect that their medical support staff - let alone the athletes - weren't sure how it would work.

Not only did Coombs compete at the inaugural Rome Games in 1960, the wheelchair basketballer would go to another four.

The first Indigenous Australian to compete at a Paralympics or Olympics died on Thursday, aged 82.

It follows the death of fellow Australian Paralympic Hall of Fame member Tracey Freeman earlier this week.

"Kevin and Tracey were inducted into the Australian Paralympic Hall of Fame at the same ceremony in 2016, and to lose two legends within days of each other makes this a very difficult time for the Australian Paralympic movement," said Paralympics Australia president Alison Creagh. "Kevin was a trailblazer who embodied the true spirit of the Paralympic movement.

Australian Paralympian Kevin Coombs was a pioneer of wheelchair basketball.

"His contributions, both on and off the court, have had a profound impact on Australian Para-sport and he will forever be remembered as an inspiration to Australian athletes, not just those with a disability. "As the first female athlete from Australia to win a Paralympic gold medal in athletics, Tracey blazed a trail for future icons of our movement, like Louise Sauvage and Madison de Rozario, to follow."

Coombs was among 12 Australians who competed at the inaugural Paralympics. He also went to the 1968, '72, '80 and '84 Games.

He was captain of the Australian team at his last Paralympics, and he carried the torch at the opening ceremony for the 2000 Sydney edition.

The Uncle Kevin Coombs Medal is awarded at the end of each Paralympics year to the Australian competitor who best personifies his spirit and determination.

He was awarded the medal of the Order of Australia in 1983, and last year Coombs was the first Paralympian in the world to be officially honoured with the initials PLY after his name.

Freeman won six gold medals in athletics at the 1972 and '76 Paralympics.