A NEWCASTLE public school teacher is on the ground in Paris, helping Newcastle para-triathlete Lauren Parker in the 2024 Paralympic Games.
Newcastle East Public School's David Robertson is a year one teacher, but since 2018 he has worked as Parker's handler, helping her to transition from the swim to bike, and bike to the racing wheelchair.
"I'm pinching myself to be over here with Lauren and the Australian Paralympics team. It's a real honour and a privilege. I'm proud to be able to play a very small part in what happens in Paris," he said.
Mr Robertson attended the Opening Ceremony on August 29 and said being his first Games, he's wide-eyed to what life in the village is like.
"There are so many incredible athletes with amazing stories, coming from all around the world, gathered in place," he said.
"To get the chance to proudly wear the opening ceremony outfit alongside them all was a very special experience."
He said the Paralympic village was a "sanctuary of inclusion and diversity".
"... everyone with a smile on their face and jumping out of their skin with excitement to be here."
Mr Robertson said he was looking forward to cheering on all the Aussies in their different sports and couldn't wait to see Parker line up for her second Paralympic Paratriathlon race and "rip in".
"Lauren's other races in Para-cycling will also be fantastic to watch. I'm also really looking forward to getting behind the Aussie Athletics team on the track and the roads, including flagbearer Madi de Rozario and Newcastle sprinter Luke Bailey."
Parker will compete in the wheelchair category of the Paratriathlon race which consists of a 750 metre swim, a 20 kilometre cycle leg and a 5km wheelchair run leg on Monday, September 2.
At the test event in Paris last year, she won the gold medal. Mr Robertson said Parker was looking forward to racing as hard as she can again in Paris.
