Former 'Valorant' pro wins gold in swimming at Tokyo 2020 Paralympics
It’s not every day that an esports star wins Olympic gold, but Rowan “Magnetbrain” Crothers of Valorant fame did just that. On Wednesday, representing Australia, Crothers came in first during the Men’s 50m freestyle S10 Swimming at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games.
Known to most gamers for crafty maneuvers in Valorant, Crothers took a break from esports to train for the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games. And, well, it certainly worked out as he finished first at a staggeringly impressive 23.21 seconds.
The champ took the time to share a photo of the medal with his head held high, which you can check out below.
what a day. pic.twitter.com/e5nX89nL2M
— Rowan (@magnetbrain) August 25, 2021
“I’ve proved that I’m not just a person with a disability,” said Crothers in an interview with 7Sport. “But I’m also an elite athlete.”
Crothers has dealt with Cerebral Palsy all his life, yet it hasn’t stopped him from becoming a legend in swimming and esports.
How good #Tokyo2020 | #Paralympics pic.twitter.com/BSq2yh3DRg
— 7Sport (@7Sport) August 25, 2021
The entire Valorant community were ecstatic for Crothers, of course.
I'm so happy for @magnetbrain literally one the best humans on the planet well deserved so proud
— rDeeW / Riley (@rDeeW_) August 25, 2021
Done us proud @magnetbrain, congrats!
— Fergus Stephenson (@ferg_CSGO) August 25, 2021
Its 2021, 8.15pm, @magnetbrain wins gold, @7Sport interview the gold medallists and ask if he has any vouches live on national tv
— Andrew Wray (@AWray7) August 25, 2021
WHAT A KING @magnetbrain GOLDEN MEDAL GOLDEN MAN pic.twitter.com/kUzwawwpWO
— Tim Dunne (@brainstormcasts) August 25, 2021
I cannot believe the same guy who crushed my ego in a CGM game on Nuke with a krieg is almost breaking world records at the Paralympics what a god @magnetbrain
— Mitch (@ConkyOCE) August 25, 2021
Former Valorant Pro Rowan Crothers, known as @magnetbrain, who took a break from the game to train for Tokyo, has now claimed a Gold Medal in the Paralympics!
Gamers are athletes confirmed. pic.twitter.com/bDALwqXYjS
— Jake Lucky (@JakeSucky) August 25, 2021
Take a bow @magnetbrain you’ve made your country proud!
— Liam (@rozohOCE) August 25, 2021
How cool is all the support from his esports friends? To say this was an achievement would be quite the understatement.
Written by Kyle Campbell on behalf of GLHF.