Great year recognised

12:48pm Wednesday 3rd September 2008

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A DISABLED member of Wyre Forest Swimming Club has had her achievements in the pool recognised by a national charity.

Fran O'Connor, 17, has been named Cerebral Palsy (CP) Sport Swimmer of the year.

The Kidderminster resident has enjoyed a successful year in the pool despite missing out on a place in the Great Britain squad competing at the Beijing Paralympic Games.

At the ASA National Youth Championships in August O’Connor broke her own British record in her disability class for the 100 metres freestyle by almost two seconds as she secured fourth place in the final. Her success now also sees her sixth in the world rankings.

The gifted swimmer is also being tipped to represent her country at the 2012 Games in London.

CP Sport is a registered charity which raises funds needed to help disabled people take part and excel in sport.

It also has a reputation for developing top class swimmers who have gone on to win many medals in both national and international events and officials are hotly tipping her for future Paralympic success.

Jill Stidever, swimming co-ordinator for CP, said: “Fran is aware that CP athletes develop later than people with other disabilities and with eight older CPs in team GB she is just waiting to step into their shoes.

“We presented Fran with the award following a year of outstanding success. She did not make the exceptionally high GB team standard this time, but watch out for 2012 when her vibrant character and determination should see her there.”