After finishing fourth in all four events in the lead-up to the final event, Hooper was keen to win a medal in the 50m freestyle.

Unfortunately, he had faced a few obstacles during his months of preparation.

Coach Peter Williams had to leave Emerton Leisure Swim Club 10 weeks before the Games, which left Hooper with another coach.

He usually swims in the S7 class but had to swim against all classes in the 40-55 years disabled category.

Hooper, 43, was born with Apert syndrome, a congenital disorder characterised by malformations of the skull, face, hands and feet.

``I felt like Grant Hackett in the pool,'' he said.

He wanted to thank staff at Rooty Hill RSL's One55 Health & Fitness who helped him lose four kilos before the Games

The gym manager and staff attended Hooper's first event of the meet, which saw him smash his personal best time for the 800m by five minutes. Video footage of Hooper in action is on One55 Health & Fitness' Facebook page.

``Them being there made me try that little bit more so I was happy with the effort,'' he said.

Hooper will join another club when he returns to the pool next year after a two-month break.

He also plans to return to running in what will be his 20th year as a disabled athlete in which he has won 85 medals, including 57 gold.

``I want to be a dual state champion on the track and in the pool,'' he said.