In the second night of the event, Cole claimed her first international gold medal in her hometown in the Women’s 100m Backstroke Multi-Class.
Cole finished in a time of 1:11.08 to edge out fellow Australian Katja Dedekind and France’s Anaelle Roulet.
The 27-year-old started her swimming adventure in Frankston at a young age for after her mum signed Cole up to classes for rehabilitation after her right leg was amputated above the knee.
“Having the World Para Series here for the first time is really special, and I think it’s opened the eyes of many Victorians of what Para-swimming is about, which is why I love to swim,” Cole said.
“To be here in front of people that I grew up around is really special and to still be swimming 17 years after I started at the same pool is amazing.”
She dedicated the win to her victory to her niece, who was in the stands watching on.
“I had my niece here tonight and I promised her I’d win gold, obviously it’s out of my hands, so she’s going to be really excited when I take it upstairs and put it around her neck – hopefully I’ve inspired a future Olympian here…
