Megan raises the Paralympic bar
Published Date:
09 October 2008
By Staff Copy
GAINSBOROUGH'S Megan Ainsworth underlined her Paralympic potential by scooping three gold medals at last weekend's Norwich Union National Junior Games.
The 15-year-old, who suffers from cerebral palsy, was making her debut at the annual event at the Stoke Mandeville Stadium.
But despite it being her first time in the games, Megan, of Queensfield, claimed gold in the 60m sprint, javelin and discus as well as winning silver in shot-putt and 35kg weight lifting, and two bronzes in wheelchair basketball and wheelchair slalom.
The Trent Valley Academy student admitted she is leaving her options open ahead of the London Paralympic games.
“This is my first time here, so I’m trying out lots of sports and I’ve found that I’ve been quite successful,” she said.
“I like almost every sport. I guess that I’m a bit of an all-rounder, which is a good sign but I know that some day I’ll have to choose a sport to focus on.”
“Right now I’m enjoying trying and winning at lots of sports, and at the moment I see no reason why I’d want to change it.”
“I am very competitive and I want to take sport seriously so I’m aiming for the 2012 Paralympics.“
“If I could get there then I’d be absolutely delighted – it would be an incredible experience.”
And the Doncaster Athletics Club ace, who was one of over 300 children from more than 25 schools that competed at the multi-sport event, is already looking forward to returning in 12 months time.
“Hopefully next time round I’ll win even more,” she added.
“I really like the social side of being here and meeting everyone, but I also really want to win at everything I do.”
Mum Jane Key said she could not be more proud of Megan.
“It was unbelievable. We didn’t expect her to get any medals because it’s only her first time down there. We were going for the experience and to meet new people,” she said.
“To come away with seven medals is just absolutely amazing. I spent most of the weekend crying.”
It is not the first time Megan has hit the headlines. She was also awarded the BBC Yorkshire and Lincolnshire Sports Award for a disabled athlete last year.
Mrs Key added: “She wants to aim for London 2012, and I am almost certain she will get there.”
l Megan and her family are inviting local people and businesses to help her succeed by providing sponsorship. Call 01427 615380.
To find out more visit www.joinourteam.com.
The full article contains 442 words and appears in Gainsborough Standard newspaper.
-
Last Updated:
07 October 2008 11:24 AM
-
Source:
Gainsborough Standard
-
Location:
Gainsborough