Priya Cooper was born with Cerebral Palsy and began swimming at a young age for therapy. In 1991, whilst swimming at a school carnival, Priya was selected to represent Wheelchair Sports Western Australia at the 1991 National Wheelchair Games, winning 9 gold medals. Priya debuted internationally at the 1992 Paralympics in Barcelona, winning three gold medals and two silver medals and breaking two world records. Her performances earnt Priya an Order of Australia Medal. She went on to further success at Paralympic Games in Atlanta in 1996 and Sydney in 2000.

In 1995, Cooper was named the Paralympian of the Year, in 1999 she was acknowledged as Young Australian of the Year (Sport) edging out Pat Rafter and Ian Thorpe, who were both finalists.

Via womenaustralia.info