Swimming is a big part of my life. I attend squad training at our local Paterson pool during the week and on Saturday mornings I train at Dungog pool with my brothers, sister and friends. I started competing in primary school and gained my first medal in Year 6 at St Joseph's, East Maitland. The support from my school and teachers was amazing.
Three years ago, I began Special Olympics training at Kurri Kurri pool. This opened another door, to more than I ever expected. It included not just swimming, but a social network of new friends. During this time I have travelled north, south, east and west competing in different towns and states.
Competing in the Junior National Games in Newcastle in 2012, I gained gold, silver and bronze medals. In October 2014 I competed in the National Games in Melbourne and was placed second, third, fourth and fifth. The world titles will be held in Los Angeles in 2015 and I hope to be there!
My friend, Hayley Lowe, attends St Paul's at Booragul. We swim in the same races and we compete together, not against each other, which I love. We also play netball together in Newcastle.
At St Mary's end-of-year assembly, I was presented with the school community achievement award donated by the Lions Club of East Maitland. I was so thrilled – what an honour!
The most exciting part of my swimming was going on the plane with the NSW team to Melbourne and having all my family – Mum, Dad, Tim, Nick and Sarah – come to watch me swim. I am a lucky young girl!
