Swimmer says double vision is no barrier to success

A girl born with double vision has encouraged people not to let their disability hold them back after taking up artistic swimming.

Connie, 12, who has diplopia in both eyes, joined the South Yorkshire Swans Synchronised Swimming Club aged seven.

The club, which trains at Maltby Leisure Centre in Rotherham, recently picked up a gold and silver medal at the Yorkshire Championships.

Connie, from Doncaster, said: "I feel really proud of myself and I want to inspire others, that if you have double vision, health problems, a disability or are uncomfortable about how you look, you can still do whatever you like."

Connie said she had ben concerned when she started her double vision would stop her being able to join in and perform.

She said she wears special goggles to minimise the problem, but they do not eradicate the issue.

“I see double of everything and it’s all blurry," she said.

"I don’t know where I am in the space, but when I’m in the water I feel fully energised in my own world.”

Her mum, Sam, said she thought the sessions with the club had helped her daughter in other aspects of her life.

“It's incredibly exhausting to be her, as processing and navigating day-to-day tasks are a lot harder

"How she is upside down in the water and can figure out which way to go I don’t know, but it gives her a break.”

First set up in 2007, South Yorkshire Swans head coach Lisa Hesling said the team have been “punching above their weight” at local and national competitions.

They are the current Swim England Yorkshire Artistic Swimming Club of the year 2024, and recently took gold and silver medals at the Yorkshire Artistic Swimming Championships in two age categories.

Ms Hesling said: “I am so proud of this club and these girls. We do just two hours a week compared to other established clubs who do ten hours a week”

The club's commitment to inclusivity is also something she believes has given Connie confidence to continue in the sport.

“It’s a swan family, for me," she said.

"Here Connie can be herself. The girls can have a break from how they are meant to be seen as teenagers, the team spirit and togetherness is brilliant."