Gallery | Students flip out over visit from swimmer Col Pearse

By Taylah Baker and Megan Fisher

Nov 13, 2024

**Paralympian Col Pearse flashes the coveted bling.** Photo by Megan Fisher

His heart was pounding. All eyes were on him. He could feel an air of inquisitiveness in the room.

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Paralympian swimmer Col Pearse was used to crowds watching his every move, but the nerves were very different walking into a classroom of students from four local primary schools on Wednesday, November 6.

Still, he excelled.

At Zeerust Primary School, Pearse brought his story of overcoming extraordinary obstacles to compete for his country before diving into a stream of autograph signings and photo opportunities with the students.

His Paralympic medals gleamed but didn’t shine as brightly as the students’ smiles.

News photographer Megan Fisher was at the school to capture the golden opportunity.