Disability Championships

The first London Swimming Regional Disability Championship was held on Saturday 24th November at Downham Leisure Centre in Lewisham. The event played host to swimmers from development level, through to elite, for which I was one. The competition saw two 2012 Paralympic hopefuls Tom Brown and Jojo Cranfield compete and win age group awards.  So to did Oliver  Shergold, a young 9 year old who’s showing all the signs of achieving national standard.

The competition was a great success, with plenty of personal-best times.  It gave new swimmers an opportunity to witness first hand those at the top of the sport, providing inspiration and demonstrating what can be achieved with a bit of hard work.  As a Paralympic medallist, I look to inspire and motivate young talented people. The competition provided me with the opportunity to swim and talk with them, which allowed me to tell them my story and provide key information about competing in swimming.  This is something that I feel would have assisted my development as an athlete and answer all the questions I had.       

The hope is that swimmers will progress from this event and achieve national championship standards thus creating a pathway in London leading to the top.  This event is a vital link in the pathway and development of young disabled swimmers was never in place when I was first competing.  

It is great to see London disability swimming evolving into a truly professionally structured body, encouraging inclusive and active participation.  A structure that will give disabled people opportunities, and one that will gain the respect from mainstream sport.

Dervis Konuralp – Paralympian and Competitor at the London Swimming Disability Championship

London Swimming would like to thank everyone that helped to make the event the success it was.  Special thanks go to the staff of Downham Leisure Centre for all their support on the day and lead up to the event.

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Results

Age Group Winners

Photographs