Current Sydney University student and former elite athlete with the Sydney Uni Swim Club, William Yang has won his first Olympic medal, being part of the 4x 100m Freestyle event.
Yang competed in the Australian heat, with the team progressing to the finals. William finished with an excellent time of 48.39, being the second swimmer in the relay he enhanced the teams with his quick reaction time at the blocks, giving Australia the advantage to win.
The story of William Yang is remarkable having to overcome two major setbacks which would have seen other swimmers retire. Being diagnosed with a tumour in his spine, making him virtually unable to walk. After an incredible four months already out of the pool rehabilitating. Yang then suffered another injury with a serious tear in his shoulder, which then kept him out of action for another couple of months.
William returned to training with a renewed love and passion for swimming and has now worked his way back to being one of Australia’s fastest freestyle sprinters.
The team then went on to win Silver in this event, which meant that all the hard work and determination that Yang had to go through had now seen the results with a silver medal around his neck.
On behalf of everyone at the Sydney Uni Sport, we congratulate William on his achievements in Paris and wish him all the best in the future.
He has also sent some remarkable photos, recapping his experience at the Paris Olympics.
