Cherrie Ireland

Cheryl Ann "Cherrie" Dallas-Smith (née Loydstrom, formerly Ireland), MBE

She became Queensland’s first female Paralympian when she was selected to compete for Australia at the 1968 Tel Aviv Paralympics. She later recalled: "It’s hard to put into words the feeling of pride, excitement and exhilaration at being selected for the team to represent Australia...It was a truly wonderful experience." She participated in athletics, swimming and table tennis events, but did not medal.

At the 1970 Commonwealth Paraplegic Games in Edinburgh, Cherrie won 11 medals, including five gold medals in discus, shot put, wheelchair slalom and swimming (50 m freestyle and 3×50 m individual medley). She was awarded an MBE for her success at the games in 1971. She and husband Maurie were both selected to represent Australia at the 1974 Commonwealth Paraplegic Games in Dunedin. She broke her Commonwealth 50 m freestyle record and won four silver medals and a bronze medal.