When Lewis was first admitted to the Queensland Children’s Hospital in 2015, the sporty nine-year-old didn’t know if he’d swim or run again, let alone fulfill his dreams of becoming an elite sportsman and compete internationally.
On March 8, 2015, he was boating with friends in Papua New Guinea, where his family lived at the time.
“I was reversed over with a boat, which basically cut up my leg. I was then flown to Brisbane from Papua New Guinea to have my leg amputated,” Lewis said.
Mum Clare Bishop said: “As Lewis’ parents, we were simply overwhelmed and in shock that this had happened to our active and sporty son.”
“There were many ups and downs but as time passed, we eventually came to terms with the unexpected change in our life. Our earliest desire was to meet other amputees who had gotten on with life despite their limb loss and led happy and fulfilling lives,” she said.
It was at the Limb Difference Clinic, part of the Queensland Paediatric Rehabilitation Service (QPRS), where Lewis was introduced to former patient, three-time Paralympic gold medallist Brenden Hall.
Brenden lost his right leg due to complications from severe chicken pox at six-years-old.
The Paralympian recalls meeting a younger Lewis, and said their bond was instant.
“He had that go-getting, no stop attitude,” Brenden said.
Lewis said: “Being able to hold his gold medal was incredible. I remember saying to my parents ‘I’m going to get one of these.”
In a full-circle moment in June 2024, both Brenden and Lewis were among 30 swimmers selected to represent Australia at the Paris Paralympic Games; Lewis at his first Paralympics, Brenden at his fifth and final Games.
Even before his Paralympic debut, swimming had already taken Lewis around the world.
He continues to train in Brisbane, with his ultimate goal to compete at a home Paralympic Games in Brisbane 2032.
“I daydream about it all the time, just looking up at the scoreboard and seeing that I hit the time, and looking up to my family, who have supported me so much,” he said.
Read more: A decade of difference as patients eye podium at Paris Paralympic Games