Down's syndrome swimmer says title wins 'surreal'
Family HandoutA swimmer said she was feeling "proud" after winning British championships and breaking records in the pool.
Caroline Faithfull, from South Petherton in Somerset, has a lifetime haul of 272 medals and is a member of the Down Syndrome GB swim team.
In October, she won gold, silver and bronze medals at the European championships in Portugal and broke more swimming records.
Ms Faithfull, who is preparing for the World Championships in January, said: "It's a little bit surreal, but I am immensely proud of myself and my family. It takes me to places I've never been before."
Ms Faithfull's mother Maura Bradshaw said her daughter was "very young" when she first enjoyed being in the water.
"In the early days she would swim to the bottom and swim back up like a little otter... it was beautiful to watch."
The Down Syndrome GB swim team is run by the parents of the 43 athletes who compete, with competitions nationally and internationally.
Ms Faithfull trains at Westlands Sports Centre in Yeovil.
Claire Gundry, a healthy communities manager for Freedom Leisure which manages the site, said Caroline is "an incredible example of dedication and positivity".
"Her commitment and energy shine through in every session, and she's an absolute joy to have in the group," she added.
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