Wimborne schoolgirl wins gold medal at World School Games
Isabella Haynes has been competing in para-swimming in Rio
A 14 year old para swimmer from Wimborne has struck gold at the World School Games in Rio de Janeiro in Brazil.
Isabella Haynes won the 200m Freestyle, and took a silver medal in the 200m medley.
The Queen Elizabeth's School pupil has capped off a strong season, where she was also crowned the English Schools Swimming Association's top female para athlete.
Isabella, who lives in Wimborne, said:
“It was amazing when they announced that the winner in the 200m freestyle was ‘Isabella from England’ and I went to the podium.
“When I finished the race I didn’t know I’d won because in para swimming there are variations in disability so the results are worked out at the end of the race!"
Isabella's a right leg amputee, and learned to swim at Ferndown, before joining the Wimborne Wagtails, based ay the QE School pool.
She now trains with Swim Bournemouth most mornings:
“I train every morning and sometimes it is hard waking up but I know I’ve just got to do it.
“While I was in Rio I was named the English Schools top para athlete which was incredible.
“I hope to get through to the Paralympics – maybe not the next one, but hopefully the one after.”
Her parents Elizabethe and Martin said:
“We are very proud of Isabella and are grateful to everyone who helped.
“Allenbourn School held a cake sale to raise money for the Rio trip and QE and Swim Bournemouth have been incredibly supportive too.”
Liz West, CEO of Initio Learning Trust, which runs the QE School, said:
“Everyone at the Trust is so chuffed to hear of Isabella’s success. She has trained so hard for so long and is extremely dedicated.”