Lost a foot then won a gold medal: swimmer Col Pearse spills Comm Games secrets, meeting AFL heroes and how to love yourself

He lost his foot to a lawnmower at the age of 2. He wore a prosthetic that meant he could play footy until he was 12, wearing a blue and white hooped design inspired by his beloved Geelong Cats. Then he realised he was pretty good at butterfly. He's won Comm Games gold and won silver at the Glasgow Games last week.

He went viral for reminding us in a post-race interview to"talk to yourself like someone you love." This week on Two Good Sports Col Pearse explains the story behind the speech that resonated around the world (you won't believe where it came from), and the coaching advice that still drives him today.

Plus, we talk the realities of elite paraswimming and how much they're really paid, his lifelong AFL obsession, the influence of Joel Selwood, the road to LA 2028 and Brisbane 2032, and having to wait for a bus with the other Comm Games athletes after racing in front of the world.

Oh, and he said he'd give up his other leg to get Zak Butters to Geelong; that's a quote. He's an absolute delight and a legend.

Harvey Norman love sport. Supporting Australian athletes at all levels, from grassroots to the world stage for over thirty years. SHOP Furniture, Bedding, TVs, Fridges, Vacuums, Laptops, Mobiles and more instore or online!

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