Published on: Wednesday 5th May 2010
European Title Success for Stadium Swimmer
A Huddersfield swimmer clinched a European title last weekend.
Joanne Kempley, 20, who trains at the Stadium Pool, entered the Downs Syndrome European Swimming Championships in Southampton.
She enjoyed her best ever championships, winning the European title in three events. She won gold medals in 50m, 100m and 200m breaststroke and a bronze medal for 25m butterfly.
She was part of the winning team in the relay, swimming the third leg and helping the team (swimmers from across the country) break the European record.
Joanne swims for the Borough of Kirklees Special Needs Swimming Club. She was selected to swim for Team GB in 2008.
She is now training for September’s World Championships in Taiwan when she will represent Team GB again. She trains five days a week and still swims with the Kirklees Active Leisure Swimming Scheme at the Stadium on Saturday afternoons.
Gemma Ripley, Joanne’s coach, said: “I couldn’t have been prouder watching Joanne achieve such fantastic results this weekend.
“With the commitment and dedication from her and the amazing support from her parents and the club coaches in Kirklees, she has been able to achieve so much.
“It’s been a fantastic journey over the last few years and Joanne deserves to be a champion.”
For more information about the BoK Special Needs Swimming Club ring 01484 234110.
