08.10.2007

Vale Mick Dowling

Peter Michael (Mick) Dowling
April 4, 1961 - October 6, 2007

It is with sadness that the APC advises of the death of Australian Paralympian Mick Dowling.

Based in Queanbeyan Mick represented Australia as a discus and javelin thrower (F44) at both the 1996 Atlanta and 2000 Sydney Paralympic Games. He had the unusual distinction of representing Australia on a further occasion following his retirement as an athlete, this time as the mechanic for the women’s wheelchair basketball team, the Gliders, at the 2004 Athens Games.

While he never won a Paralympic medal Mick earned the respect of team-mates and rivals alike through his competitive spirit and commitment to his sport and the Paralympic movement generally. He was the definitive 'team man', always supporting his teammates and ready to offer assistance particularly to younger athletes and staff.

His transition from athlete to team official was a particularly successful one. His work with the Gliders at the 2004 Paralympic Games was outstanding and his reputation for getting the job done with good humour amidst the intensity of Paralympic competition was quickly established in wheelchair basketball as it had been in athletics.

His commitment to be the best athlete he could was never in question. He managed to combine the roles of husband, father, small business operator and elite athlete with aplomb. For Mick the honour of representing Australia and a deep commitment to his family were sufficient motivations to ensure all of his priorities were coordinated in whatever way was required. Simply, he loved everything he did and made sure it all came together as a workable combination.

Mick was the embodiment of the very best of elite sport. Hard edged in competition, respectful of his rivals and the spirit of fair play and ever ready to pass on a great yarn and enjoy a laugh.

Mick is survived by his wife Susan and children Jeremy, Melinda, Emily and Grace to whom the APC offers its sincere condolences.

Represented Australia
Wheelchair basketball - official
2004 Athens Paralympic Games
2002 Gold Cup World Championships – Kitakuyshu, Japan

Athletics - athlete
2000 Sydney Paralympic Games
1998 IPC World Athletics Championships - Birmingham, Great Britain
1996 Atlanta Paralympic Games
1994 IPC World Athletics Championships - Berlin, Germany

Courtesy Australian Paralympic Committee