Games type: Summer Paralympic Games
Games year: Rio 2016
Para sport: Para swimming
Gender: Male
Date of Birth28 January 2000
CoachFiona Hezinger
HometownWanaka
ResidesChristchurch
OccupationStudent
ClassificationS6, SB6, SM6
Eligible impairmentShort stature
Health conditionAchondroplasia

Hamish McLean is a Para swimmer first identified as part of the Para swimming talent identification programme in 2011.

Hamish is from Wanaka and born in 2000. He was a late call-up to the New Zealand Rio 2016 Paralympic Team following the allocation of an additional male slot. He took full advantage of his first ever Paralympic Games, setting an Oceania record in the Paralympic final of the Men’s 400m Freestyle S6, and finishing 7th in the event. He also swam the Men’s 200m Individual Medley SM6, Men’s 100m Freestyle S6 and Men’s 50m Freestyle S6.

Hamish was a part of the New Zealand Rio 2016 Paralympic Team of 31 Paralympians, which secured a stunning 21 medals (9 gold, 5 silver, and 7 bronze) and finished first in the world per capita and 13th in the world overall (previous best: 16th).

Hamish is continuing his dedicated training regime towards the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games. He swims 15-20 hours per week, adds gym and physiotherapy or pilates sessions, and maintains his own stretching and strengthening programme. 

Hamish is studying at Canterbury University and fits his university work around his busy schedule of swimming and traveling.

Hamish is definitely ‘one to watch’ in the future. 

Paralympic results

2016Rio Paralympic GamesBronze - Men's Javelin F44