Aaron Chatmann (Qld)

DOB:  May 1987

Age: 

Classification: F47
Coach: Gary Bourne
Instagram: @aaronchatman87
Occupation: Property Manager
Interests: Fishing, boating
International Experience:
2 x World Championships (2006, 2017),
2 x Paralympic Games (2008, 2016),
Honours:
SILVER – 2008 Paralympic Games – F44/46 High Jump
BRONZE – 2008 Paralympic Games – F42-46 4x100m
BRONZE – 2016 Paralympic Games – F47 High Jump

SILVER - 2006 IPC World Championships - F46 High Jump

Following several impressive performances in the lead-up to Rio 2016, Aaron Chatman’s dream of representing Australia at a second Paralympic Games was realised. The Queensland native went one better when he leapt 1.99m to claim bronze.

Aaron, who was born without a fully formed right arm, was inspired to take up para-athletics after meeting members of the Australian national team while they were at a training camp in Townsville, in 2004. Two years later he won silver and set a world record holder in the high jump when he jumped 2.01m at the 2006 IPC World Championships. The follow year he raised the record to 2.05m. Aaron describes breaking and re-breaking the world record as two highlights of his career, only matched by his performance in Beijing.

Aaron came down with the chicken pox just days before the 2008 Games were due to begin and was held in isolation in Hong Kong while doctors determined whether he was fit to compete. Luckily, Aaron recovered in time and went on to win silver in high jump and bronze in the 4x100m relay.

The former Australian Institute of Sport scholarship holder’s competition philosophy is to approach every athletics meet with the same can-do attitude – to get in there and get it done.

Off the track, Aaron is employed as a property manager, and is a very keen outdoorsman who loves fishing and boating – check out Aaron’s latest catch on his Instagram!