Team GB

 

Team GB arrived in Loano, Italy, late last week for the World Down Syndrome Swimming Championships. Two Borough of Kirklees swimmers Joanne Kempley and Ben Sweeney are taking part in the competitions. (Pictured left along with coach Gemma Ripley)

The swimming kicked off today after an exciting opening ceremony where teams from 21 countries paraded the sports hall with their national flags.

 

Ben stormed through his 50 metre Backstroke to a personal best of 39.00 and taking a full second off his entry time and giving him his first gold of the Championships.

Joanne was next and her task looked formidable as she had the slowest entry time in her heat amazingly she pulled out all the stops finishing 4th and knocking an unbelievable 6 seconds off her 100 metres Backstroke time.

Ben rounded off the morning with a 3rd place and European record in the 400m Individual Medley which secured him another gold in the Mosaic category.

 

HDSSG wish Joanne & Ben along with the rest of Team GB all the very best for the rest of the competition, we will be tweeting updates as we receive them! follow us @hdssg1

 

You can keep up to date with all the news from Loano by following a blog written by Joanne’s family who are out there with the team:  http://kempley.webnode.com/blog/