Keefer Announces Retirement

“A person’s a person, no matter how small.” 

It is a Dr. Suess quote that resonates with Paralympian Claire Keefer, an Australian short stature athlete who fell in love in the sport at 14-years-old after discovering the shot put and discus. 

This marked the beginning of a successful journey for Keefer, who proceeded through the ranks to become a force to be reckoned with in the shot put in the F41 class – highlighted by a Paralympic bronze in Rio. 

“The highlight for me was my Paralympic bronze medal in Rio, it was a really good moment. It was my first Paralympics that I ever went to and my result there was also a PB making it even more special,” she said. 

“I had my family around watching and after I received my medal, I remember going back to give my mum a hug and it was pretty cool.”

Keefer credits her involvement in athletics for many things, with skillsets and relationships at the forefront of that list. 

“One thing I’ve learnt over my career is patience. Patience with myself mainly. Rotational shots are not easy and being patient with yourself is something that takes time to do because it’s easy to get frustrated when things aren’t going well,” she said. 

“Over my career, I’ve fostered some really good relationships. My two physios Vic Moore and Alison Norris have been so supportive in my journey. And my coach John Eden – we had a coach and athlete relationship, so to continue that relationship as friends is exciting.” 

The decision is not one that came easily for Keefer, but it is one that provides a welcomed lifestyle change. 

“It took about five months to make the decision and then there were a couple of weeks there where I was struggling to come to terms with the end of the chapter and telling everyone that needed to know,” she said. 

“I made the decision to retire because my partner and I have recently moved to a farm in New Zealand, and I’ve seen that there is more to my life than sport. I’ve fallen in love with farm work, and I felt it was time to hang up my shoes.” 

Whilst bowing out of the sport at 25-years-old, Keefer’s will retire having won a Paralympic bronze medal, as well as one silver and two bronze medals from three World Para Athletics Championships. 

“I’ve tried to, and I hope to inspire other short stature athletes to get involved in sport. As time goes on, there are more and more opportunities for short stature athletes to get involved in sport and if I can help bring attention to the pathway, that’s great,” she said.
 
“Thanks to Athletics Australia for all the support, my coach John Eden and my physio team and the VIS for all their support.” 

Athletics Australia General Manager of High Performance Andrew Faichney congratulated Keefer for her achievements and wished her all the best for the next chapter.

“Claire has been an outstanding contributor to Para-athletics in Australia, both on and off the track. This is highlighted by winning multiple medals across major championships, along with the significant time and effort she has invested in the wider community,” he said. 

“We wish Claire all the best in the next chapter of her life.” 

Keefer was also coached by Michael Moore throughout. the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games cycle. 

By Lachlan Moorhouse
Posted: 9/4/2021