UPWEY’S young swimming sensation Sarah Chaplin will take to the pool in December for the Special Olympics Junior National Games.
It will be the 13-year-old’s second Olympics since she took up the sport at three years of age, and she’ll compete in the 50m backstroke, 100m freestyle, 100m breaststroke and 50m freestyle relay.
Mum Julie said Sarah has always been a natural in the water and her favourite style was backstroke.
“We took her to training when she was about three and realised she loved the water so much we just kept her going,” she said.
“Now she trains Sunday mornings and Tuesday nights and she always looks forward to it.”
When she’s not busy with the Olympics, Sarah also participates in the state games every year, and often comes home with a few gold medals.
It seems sporting talent runs in the family, with Sarah’s older brother and sister both also participating in the Special Olympics this year.
Ms Chaplin said Sarah looked up to her siblings and always tries her best during competition.
“It makes me very proud to realise she’s doing her very best and enjoying it at the same time,” she said.
“It’s very special to see her on the podium but I always tell her I don’t care what ranking she gets as long as she gets personal bests.”
