It’s often said that a picture tells a thousand words. In photos of six-time T34 wheelchair Paralympic medallist Rheed McCracken, his piercing eyes – framed by the shadow of his racing helmet – paint the portrait of a man who is fearless and determined.

But McCracken laughs at that idea.  

“If a photo could tell your heart rate, mine would be through the roof,” he admitted. “[The nerves of racing], was fear more than anything.” 

For the 28-year-old, fear wasn’t just at the start line – it followed him for years in the form of self-doubt. In 2017, he hit career-best times that he struggled to match in the seasons that followed. 

This year at the Swiss Grand Prix, he got his answer. In one week, he raced faster than 2017 -breaking three Australian records, multiple PBs, and hitting a world championship qualifying time. It was proof, early in the season, that this wasn’t a swan song, but a statement of what’s to come. 

“Every time I got onto the track, I felt like I wanted to go faster. I didn’t think the times and stuff would be as quick as they were, especially at this time of the year, so to have gone quick early was good.” 

Now, on the eve of the World Para Athletics Championships in New Delhi, India, McCracken isn’t looking back – he’s chasing unfinished business on the global stage. 

“I didn’t [think] I’d race as well as I did,” he said. “So, I was really happy. I think the confidence came from the first race [the men’s T34 800m] and being excited to be there.” 

For McCracken, the Swiss circuit has often been a prelude for some of his best racing. In 2016, months before the Rio Paralympics, he set some of the fastest times of the year. In 2017, he set a new world record in the T34 100m and again in 2018. 

But as seasons passed, he questioned whether he could ever replicate that form. 

“[This year] I went faster than 2017!” he enthused. “I think what was holding me back was just having the confidence in yourself that you’ve done it before. I did it once, and then years went by, and I couldn’t replicate it. So, I was like, ‘Was that just a one-off?’ Once you get out of that mindset, it just becomes easier.” 

Ironically, records themselves have never been his aim. 

“For me, it’s about doing my processes and trying to race as best that I could,” he said.“It wasn’t to try and break records. I don’t really care too much about that if I’m honest.” 

At the heart of McCracken’s journey is Paralympic legend and World Champion Louise ‘Lou’ Sauvage. 

“Lou’s my person who sees me warm up and just before call room,” he explained. “She sees a lot of emotion and is very good at helping you control them; keeping you calm and getting you to use your strengths.” 

“She would always say, ‘Use your strengths, work to your strengths.’ That’s something really simple, but it sticks with you, and it gives you confidence when you’re on the track.” 

Her influence runs deeper than tactics. 

“Lou’s so important to me because she saved my racing career,” he said. “She believed in me a lot. She just found another level in me and was able to help me build more confidence in myself. I would do anything for Louise.” 

From the outside, wheelchair racing looks like pure speed, but for McCracken, it’s like a puzzle he relishes solving. 

“If it’s a 100, my mindset is working through the first 10 meters,” he explained. “You kind of get a feel after the first 10 meters how the race is going to be set up.” 

“In an 800, [because you’re racing against more people], your race can be over in the first 150. If you get boxed in it’s all done. So, it’s more about trying to get yourself into the right position.” 

Even at 35km/h, he said, it never feels fast enough. 

“Sometimes I’ll look at my speed and be like, ‘Oh wow, we’re doing 34.5,’ but it feels slow. Like it should be faster.” 

This collected, tactical mindset wasn’t always his default. Earlier in his career, nerves consumed him. 

“I used to stress myself out for the whole day before racing,” McCracken explained. “Just being on edge, nervous about whether or not I could stay with the pack, or whether I was going to be fast enough.” 

“Now I’m more confident in my racing. I trust my processes more than I previously did. But that was with the work of the team.” 

If you strip away the medals and records, McCracken’s reason for racing is disarmingly simple. 

“Because I’m not good at anything else!” he laughed. 

“I enjoy the challenge of trying to be better, trying to be the best. And when things are going well for you, it makes it feel better. But even when it is a struggle, at the same time I enjoy the challenge of finding a way and working with people who are trying to find a way.” 

“I think that’s why each day I’m excited to do it because it’s always something different.” 

Now, attention turns to New Dehli. 

“For Dehli, I would love to be back on a podium at a world champs because I didn’t win a medal back in 2023. I think I’m racing well enough too,” he said. 

“And then long term, the ultimate goal is always to win a Paralympic gold medal. I’ll try the best that I can for both [LA 2028 and Brisbane 2032.]” 

When asked what he hopes people take away from his story, McCracken just laughed. 

“Just get older,” he said. “That’s all you need to do. Just get older and things happen for you. I don’t know, I have no idea!” 

He might not have a clear answer for his legacy – but on the track, McCracken has forged a compelling story . . . 

Faster almost a decade later, fresher than ever, and no longer burdened by doubt. Rheed McCracken is proving his best days aren’t behind him – and Delhi is his next chance to prove it. 

Tags Louise SauvageParalympicsRheed McCrackenWorld Para Athletics Championships

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