Parents of Paralympians are 'nervous' for Paris

The parents of two Paralympic swimmers have expressed their "nervous" excitement as their children prepare to compete in the upcoming Games in Paris.

Laura Summers, the mother of the swimmer Maisie Summers-Newton from Wollaston, Northamptonshire, and Ed Dee, the father of athlete Bruce Dee from Desborough, Northamptonshire, shared their emotions ahead of the event.

Ms Summers described the wait for the competition to begin as "overwhelming" and added: "You're nervous, you're excited, because I know what it means to [Maisie]."

Mr Dee said the entire family has been "really excited" but also "nervous" as they support Dee's journey to the Paralympics.

The Paralympic Games take place from 28 August to 8 September in Paris.

Maisie Summers-Newton is preparing to compete in her second Games, which comes after she won gold in both the 200m individual medley and 100m breaststroke in Tokyo.

The swimmer aims to defend her titles in Paris and will also compete in the Women’s 400m freestyle.

Ms Summers said: "It’s always been her dream since 2012 when she saw the athletes there. [She said] 'that's something I really want to do'.

"It was a gradual process, and now she’s achieved it after so much hard work and dedication."

Seventeen-year-old Dee will participate in the 100m breaststroke and 200m individual medley.

His father said: "We're hoping he does himself justice.

"He’s the calmest one in the family right now and seems to be really enjoying it."

Summers-Newton and Dee will be competing from 30 August in the Paralympic pool.

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