Green, gold and grown

In 2022, Woodridge’s Andre Rivett made history as the first Australian athlete with Down syndrome to win a world championship medal. 

He recently continued his winning streak in Antalya, Turkey, at the 2024 Trisome Games – a quadrennial sporting event exclusively for athletes with Down Syndrome. 

As the only Australian representative, Andre scooped silver and bronze medals in discus and shotput. 

His father, Steven, says Andre was thrilled to wear the green and gold uniform overseas again. 

‘It was a really, really good experience because since the COVID-19 outbreak, he hasn’t seen his friends and other competitors for a long time,’ Steven says. 

‘We were really happy with his overall results, but he blew us away in shotput.  

‘He’s been trying to get in the top 3 for ages.’  

Andre also reached new personal milestones on the trip. He was able to settle down during the long-haul flights, cleared customs by himself and walked 62,000 steps on a sightseeing day without complaining.  

Steven says Andre, nicknamed ‘The Hulk’, has really grown on and off the field.  

Since his first world championship win in 2022, Andre has also started his first job at Underwood’s Cafe 63 under the guidance of Sam, the cafe manager. 

His day-to-day duties include cleaning tables, serving dishes and stocking the refreshments fridge. 

‘I can see it being a long career for him, he loves it,’ Steven says. 

‘He has learned that there are certain things you can’t do because it’s a job, and he’s been able to take it all on board. 

‘He’s become a more proactive member of society.’  

Andre will return to his regular training schedule – 5 days a week, without fail – in October to prepare for state and national competitions in 2025. 

In the meantime, he volunteers at political youth organisations and is working towards helping with food preparation at work.  

‘All these new experiences have opened him up to a different world,’ Steven says. 

‘We had our NDIS review a few days ago, and it’s funny because the person who did our review couldn’t believe how much Andre has changed – he’s got a job now and has just grown so much into a man.’