Rachel Watson OAM

We are thrilled to have Rachel Watson OAM as the Ambassador for GBS CIDP Support.

Rachel is an Australian Paralympic swimmer who has shown incredible strength, resilience and determination throughout her journey. She represented Australia at the 2016 Summer Paralympics, winning gold in the 50m Freestyle S4 — a remarkable achievement she repeated at the 2020 Summer Paralympics. At the 2024 Summer Paralympics, Rachael added two bronze medals to her impressive career.

In her early 20s, Rachel acquired Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS), resulting in severe muscle weakness and peripheral nervous system damage. This left her with quadriplegia and the need to use a wheelchair. She has since also been diagnosed with Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CIDP).

Swimming became an important part of Rachel’s rehabilitation journey after GBS, helping her rebuild strength and confidence. Despite the challenges of living with a progressive neurological condition, she has continued to push boundaries and inspire others.

In 2025, Rachel was awarded a prestigious Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Fellowship, allowing her to travel to Europe to investigate “coaching methods and support requirements for swimmers with High Support Needs.” The Fellowship is a highly competitive overseas research opportunity supporting Australians to gain knowledge and bring back valuable insights.

Rachel has recently been reclassified as an S3 swimmer due to changes associated with her neurological condition — yet she continues to demonstrate the determination and courage that has defined her career.

We are incredibly honoured to have Rachel join us as an Ambassador, and we thank her for supporting our community. Her story is a powerful reminder of the strength, resilience and possibilities that exist beyond a diagnosis.

We also acknowledge and thank Swimming Australia for recognising and supporting Rachel’s incredible contribution to the sport.

Welcome, Rachel — we are so proud to have you with us.