My trainer Inez and I. I’m holding the bronze medals I won at the Special Olympics!

This year in April, over 1,000 athletes with an intellectual disability competed in 11 sports in the Special Olympics Australia Games. Akanksha, one of our clients was one of these athletes! These Games are held every four years and provides the opportunity for individuals all over Australia to demonstrate their skills and sportsmanship whilst competing in their chosen events.

Akanksha is a swimmer, swimming in freestyle and backstroke short distance events (50-100m).

Away from the pool, Akanksha loves playing other sports, in particular, she enjoys cricket, soccer, basketball and ten pin bowling!

Akanksha only began training with our Exercise Physiologist, Inez, in the gym 6 weeks leading up to the Special Olympics. They focused on increasing muscular strength in order to improve Akanksha’s performance. Akanksha did very well in her events and won two bronze medals!

Akanksha is hoping to qualify for the next Special Olympics in four years’ time. She will train for gold. With more training time under her belt, Akanksha believes this can be achieved!

What was your favourite part of the Special Olympics this year?

My favourite part was being with my NSW team mates. I loved making new friends.

How much did you train in the lead up to the games? Both in and out of the pool?

I trained five to six hours per week.

How did your love for swimming emerge?

When I started swimming I was very scared of deep side of the pool due to my sensory issues. I took that as a challenge and my parents helped me to get over my fear. I gradually started enjoying swimming and competing in Special Olympics competitions.

The link to the Special Olympics website is here below:

https://www.specialolympics.com.au/