Latrobe City’s resident mermaid, Paralympian and Latrobe City’s 2017 Young Australian of the Year, Emily Beecroft swapped her fins for feet to take part in Latrobe City’s leg of the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games Queen’s Baton Relay.
The 18 year old was given the honour of being Latrobe City’s final baton bearer, bringing the baton into Gippsland Immigration Park Morwell.
“It was such a once in a lifetime experience and is something that I will remember forever,” Emily said. “It was so much more fun than I expected.”
Emily was nominated for the role by the community for her achievements at the 2016 Rio Paralympics, 2017 World Swimming Championships and for qualifying for the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games.
“This was a special experience for me compared to all of my other sporting achievements, because this was in my own home community and so many friends and family came out to support me.” Emily said.
“The day had such a good turn out, and everyone was cheering for me, which was really special.”
Emily has just completed swimming in the Australian Swimming Trials at Adelaide.