Farleigh’s 50-strong swim squad were lucky enough to meet double gold winning Paralympic swimmer, Stephanie Millward, when she visited last week. Stephanie is one of the most experienced Para-swimmers on the British team having won 10 Paralympic medals, including two gold at the 2016 Rio Paralympic Games.

Stephanie’s talk was utterly inspirational. She talked about her remarkable story, from her early passion for swimming when she was on the fringes of the British international able-bodied team, to the traumatic moment in her life when her world was turned upside down and she was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, aged 17. Through hard work and determination, Steph returned to the pool and went on to qualify for the 2008 Beijing Paralympics, reaching three finals in the S9 classification. Steph has subsequently won countless national and international medals. She is part of the 2019 World Record 4 x100 Medley Team (34pt) and is currently attempting to make the British squad for Tokyo 2020.

Luci Morrish, Farleigh’s Swimming Coordinator, said, “The pupils were so inspired by Steph’s story and full of admiration for her unbelievable determination to never give up. The feedback from the children’s parents too reflected the amazing impression Steph had made on them. We are so grateful that she found time in her busy schedule to talk to Farleigh pupils and we are very grateful to current parent, Chris Rooney, for arranging the visit.”  

We will follow Steph's progress with interest as she begins trials for Tokyo 2020. You can follow her on Twitter: @steph_millward and on Instagram: millward.stephanie