Cochrane Reflects on Rio

In total, Funky Trunks had nine F-Teamers competing at the 2016 Paralympic Games. For Blake Cochrane, it was his third Paralympics and we caught up with the champ to talk all things Rio.

Despite winning silver in the Men's 100m Breaststroke SB7, Blake admitted there was an element of disappointment after his race, until his coach dispensed some timely advice.

"At first I was a little disappointed with the time as it was almost 1.5 seconds slower than my best," Blake says.

"But my coach Jan Cameron pulled me aside and offered some very wise words, that this is probably the one year where the result - a medal - is more important than any other factor. That's when I realised we had achieved what we set out to achieve - to win silver. Gold was a little far out of reach so we targeted an appropriate goal and I was very happy to do that."

His silver added to an already impressive tally of two golds at London 2012 (Men's 100m breaststroke SB7 and Men's 4 ×100m freestyle relay) and a silver in the same event in Beijing in 2008. Having absorbed his coach's advice, Blake enjoyed his time on the podium.

"It's always a very rewarding process. In swimming, or any Olympic or Paralympic sport for that matter, you wait four years for that big opportunity. Sure, World Championship medals are awesome, but that big one that comes around every four years - that's the one you want, that's what you train for. To put all those hours in and come out with a medal - you're stoked!"

F-Teamer Blake trains at the University of Southern Queensland.

Other than celebrating his silver, Blake revealed that his team was a genuine Rio highlight.

"This year was the best team environment I've ever been in. We had two great captains this year in Kurt Fearnley and Daniela Di Toro who lead from the front of 'The Mob' as the team called themselves. It worked extremely well in bringing together the whole Paralympic team, as opposed to being separate teams under one banner. I also have to say the para swim team was awesome. The team included Paralympic debutants and they stood up and did extremely well. But also, we had great fun in the process.

Other than enjoying the company of the team, Blake had a strong support network in the stands.

"I have to say that having my girlfriend there in the stands supporting me was probably the best part. It's always great to have those who you care about travel all the way across the world to support you. Being able to share such a unique experience with them is something you'll never forget."

Funky Trunks are proud to be part of and support this Funky Trunker's unique journey.