Alastair Smales

Alastair Smales
Personal information
Born (1962-05-08) 8 May 1962 (age 62)
Redcliffe, Queensland, Australia
Sport
Country Australia
SportParalympic swimming
Disability classS6
Medal record
Paralympic swimming
Representing  Australia
World Championships
Silver medal – second place 2002 Mar del Plata 50m butterfly S6

Alastair Smales was born on 8 May 1962, in Australia. He lost the use of his legs in 1992 becoming a paraplegic after a four-wheel drive he was fixing slipped off a jack and fell on him. Due to this injury, Smales is now classified a S6 wheelchair grade in swimming competitions.

Smales has represented Australia in three consecutive Paralympics in swimming, held a world record at the IPC Swimming World Championships Mar de Plata in 2002 and ranked 1 in his classification. Smales swimming career started in 1996 and ended in 2004 due to his age and inability to keep up with the other swimmers. He was a member of the Sporting Wheelies and Disabled Association and trained at the Redcliffe Leagues Lawnton Club.

After retiring from swimming, Smales pursued a career in air traffic control.