Duchess Meghan is rapidly making a name for herself as an up-and-coming swimmer aiming to compete in the Paralympics, but says swimming has given her more than just medals and personal records.
Meghan, who was born without a right hand and part of her forearm, was always aware that she was different.
“I didn't like people staring at me, so I always tucked my hands into my sleeves or hid them behind my back. But the truth is, you can't hide in a swimsuit. And people don't like it. I also noticed that no one cared about it. They were more interested in what I was doing in the pool.”
Meghan, 16, often trains twice a day and swims an average of 40km a week. Her commitment to this sport is clear as she does all this while studying for her GCSEs.
But she was not always destined to excel in sports. “She's never really thought of herself as sporty,” Meghan laughs. “But I always loved playing outside and running around.”
She started swimming like millions of other children by having her parents take her to swimming lessons. She quickly passed through different levels, known as waves, and it was only when she officially completed her seventh wave, or swimming lessons, that she was encouraged to join the club. was.
Joins Torfen Dolphins and Wales national team
She was eight years old when she first walked through the doors of the Torfen Dolphins. And it's still her club.
“I met a lot of friends there and we all grew up together. It's like a family.”
The club also sought to keep Meghan classified early on. In sports for people with disabilities, classification is necessary in order to compete at a certain level. After this, she was selected to represent Wales.
“This was a big surprise to me because I have seen other swimmers with various disabilities. There was a swimmer named Molly who didn't have legs, and I've seen athletes who look a bit like me do well in this sport. It was cool to see it fit.”
Liz Johnson, who won a gold medal at the 2008 Beijing Paralympic Games, was also a big inspiration.
Meghan credited her progress to her parents and coaches, who have always supported her.
“I've been really lucky to have the coaches I have,” Meghan added. “They are great at communicating and adapting sessions. My strength and conditioning coach, Ray Morgan, always gives me my best effort by adjusting the equipment and sessions to suit me. He also put me in touch with some one-handed weightlifters to make sure I had the best possible support.”
