One of the most successful Australian Paralympian athletes of all time, Russell Short stands ready to enter a remarkable seventh Games at London 2012.

The super talented discus, shot put and javelin thrower has won no less than six gold, two silver and two bronze medals from participating in the last six Games. This is in addition to four gold and three silver medals from the last five World Championships.

He isn’t slowing down either. Russell won silver in shot put at the 2011 World Championships, indicating he will yet again pose a threat at London 2012. At his sixth Games in Beijing, Russell was given the honour of carrying the Australian flag during the Opening Ceremony. The Games saw him finish sixth in both the discus and shot put.

The vision impaired athlete displays his iron will both on and off the track. Not only has Russell walked the Kokoda Track (and starred in a documentary along the way), but he also spent eight days paddling 400 kilometres from Australia to New Guinea across the treacherous Torres Strait.

Originally from Poowong in country Victoria, Russell loves to get back home to his five acre property whenever possible. He often takes his kids and dog out camping in Poowong, where he can indulge in quality relaxation time.

Russell has been awarded an OAM and an Advance Australia Award for his contributions to sport. He was also the first athlete with a disability to be accepted into the Australian Institute of Sport in 1988.