Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Our first paralympian editor

She is the youngest gold medal winning swimmer ever, continues to win medals and set records today, and recently became the first Australian paralympian to edit Wikipedia!

Elizabeth Edmondson attended our Perth workshop, and we've enjoyed watching her edits on Wikipedia, and image donations to Wikimedia Commons since.

I thought I'd get back in touch with Elizabeth, now a little time has passed, to see how she's going and what she thinks of it all.

A lady of little words, but big actions, here's what Elizabeth had to say:

How does it feel to have a Wikipedia page up about you?

I feel very proud that I have a Wkipedia page about me as it recognises the fact that I am the youngest swimmer in Australia to win Gold -able or disabled swimmers.

You've helped us build up that page, and even donated images for it which is wonderful, we hope to make it a featured article some day. Are you still motivated to help us build up your page?

Yes I look at it and update regularly. Here is another photo for you (see above). My medals after the 13th Masters Games held in Adelaide this year.

Is it getting easier, perhaps even fun, to edit Wikipedia?

I have only been editing for a few weeks - but getting more used to it. I let others upload photos.

Have you told others about your page, or about the HoPAu project?

Yes lots of family and friends.

How do you think we could get more paralympians involved in editing Wikipedia articles about each other?

Getting organisations like Wheelchair Sports WA involved

Have you considered editing the Wikipedia entries for other Australian paralympians you know about?

If I saw an error I would

Anything else you'd like to say?

I met Lyn Lilleycrapp in Adelaide- she was a Paralympian in 1976, 1988, and 19992 and would like to be involved (email added to the HoPAu email list)

Would you like to be kept in the loop with HoPAu progress generally?

Yes Please (email added to the HoPAu email list)