A SWIMMING sensation from Bournemouth has added two world records and six medals to her growing stash of awards at the Down's Syndrome world swimming championships.
Judith Cooling, 19, from Queen's Park, returned from South Africa last week with two gold medals, three silvers and a bronze.
She also broke world records as part of the women's 100m and 200m relay teams.
"She's absolutely over the moon, and we are very proud of her," said Judith's mum, Maureen Cooling.
"It was very hard for her, there were people from eight countries competing. It was really lovely to see them all take part.
"They were all there to swim and genuinely enjoyed themselves, and they all worked so hard."
Judith was one of 13 competitors from Great Britain to take part in the competition, and was able to have a little time for fun on the trip as well, going on safari and visiting a Zulu village.
Maureen said she also loved swimming in the sunny outdoor pool.
Although Judith won eight medals at the inaugural championships two years ago, and six more at the 2001 Special Olympics in Cardiff, she was afraid she would have to stay home this year because she could not afford the £1,800 to get to Durban.
But friends rallied round, as well as members of the public inspired by an article in the Daily Echo, and raised the money for her to go.
"Judith would like to thank everybody who sponsored her and helped her to get to South Africa," said her mum.
Dedicated Judith has already been back for training with her able-bodied swimming club, Ringwood Seals, in the hope of qualifying for the 2006 championships in Ireland.
For more information on Down's Syndrome swimming, see the website www.dsiso.org.
First published: November 18
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