Woodridge athlete now second in the world

Andre Rivett has just returned from the Czech Republic as the first Australian athlete with Down Syndrome to win a world championship medal.

He competed as the sole Australian athlete at the 2022 IAADS Athletics World championships in discus, shot put and Javelin.

The 25-year-old from Woodridge walked away with a silver medal in discus and is now second in global rankings for this event. He also placed fourth in shot put and eighth in javelin – and is already preparing for his next event.

His father, Steven, is proud of how much his son has achieved.

‘Andre used to be quite stubborn, but athletics has helped him become more mature, especially when it comes to listening to different people and following commands,’ he says.

‘He’s also grown so much physically and can stand more upright compared to his peers.’

Andre trains 6 days a week, with his time split between the gym and the field where he practices technical throws with his coach.

Unlike other athletes with Down Syndrome, Andre can do a full turn when preparing to throw – a testament to his perseverance.

Steven says Andre is now more motivated than ever after earning a world championship medal.

Andre will be competing in local events until November, where he will represent Australia at the Virtus Oceania Asia Games in Brisbane.

An athlete at heart, Andre is already looking forward to the next world championships in 2026.

‘He loves competing, but he also likes seeing his friends face-to-face at comps after talking to them on Messenger for so long,’ Steven says.

By June Ho