Inspirational Rotorua para-swimmer refuses to see disability as a limitation

Inspirational Rotorua swimmer Siobhan Terry refuses to let her disability limit her dreams for the future.

The determined 16-year-old became the first local para-swimmer to compete at the New Zealand Open Swimming Championships in Auckland earlier this month.

Siobhan, a Rotorua Lakes High School student, made the finals for both the 50m and 100m freestyle and smashed both her personal bests on her way to finishing sixth in the 100m and fifth in the 50m.

The Te Arawa swimming club member said it was an "unforgettable experience" especially competing against para-swimming star Sophie Pascoe, who finished first in both races and has won 10 Paralympic medals - including six gold.

"Knowing that I was the first Rotorua swimmer made it all the more special and it was amazing - definitely the highlight of my sporting career so far," she said. "I wasn't nervous in the heats because I was just so keen to get in the water. In the finals I was shaking, though, but I just ran through all the points my coach has gone through with me and had full concentration on the block.

"Sophie is my idol and to be competing alongside her was incredible. She goes for it no matter what and hasn't let anything hold her back, she's a real inspiration to me."

Siobhan, coached by Henk Greupink, swam a new personal best of 36.97s over the 50m final and 1m 24.63s in the 100m last race after heat rounds earlier in the day, all screened live on Sky Sport.

"I was surprised with how well I did, I mean this was only my third competition I've done," Siobhan said. "I was so pleased to smash my PBs and it's really given me the drive to want to achieve much more in this sport."

Local inspirational swimmer Siobhan Terry made history for Rotorua at the New Zealand Open Swimming Championships. Photo/Stephen Parker

The youngest of seven children had her family cheering her on from both New Zealand and Australia, including mum Ann and stepdad Bruce. Older sister Akanahi, 25, managed to watch while at work.

"Luckily there was a break and I rushed to the TV screen - just to see her name pop up in lane one was incredible," Akanahi said.

Siobhan, who returned to Rotorua three years ago after living in Australia for 11 years, was born with a left clubfoot and wears a splint when out of the pool to aid the non-movement in her ankle.

But this disability never deterred Siobhan in her sporting pursuits and the dynamic athlete turned to swimming seriously nine months ago after repeated foot injuries put an end to her running competitively. She was the only local to podium at the NZ Secondary Schools Cross Country Championships when she won the senior girls' 2km para race.

"My disability has never stopped me in the past. I've just gone with it anyway," Siobhan said. "Unfortunately I was getting injuries on my foot continuously and I've always loved swimming so I decided to get back into it."

Akanahi added: "She's definitely the golden child in the family ... She's been incredibly strong her whole life - her foot has never, ever stopped her from doing anything. Siobhan has shown all of us that you don't have to let a disability stop you.

"In the family we've grown up with her having it but we can't fully understand what she goes through - it's great that she can now compete against people who can understand what she's going through."

Siobhan, who also helps give swimming lessons to youngsters, trains five times a week with 5.30am starts and is looking to increase this with the aim to compete in the 2020 Paralympics in Tokyo.

"I want to go far with swimming," Siobhan said. "I want to aim for the Paralympics - I've always had that thought. I don't know whether I will get there or not but that is my goal."

Siobhan said she hoped her determination would inspire others living with a disability.

"Don't let it stop you, seriously once you get past that thought you can go for anything. It's an amazing experience just to get into things that you never thought you could do."