A YOUNG swimmer has struck gold after competing for the first time abroad.
Jay McCabe, a student at St Aidan’s Academy, Darlington, took gold in the 100m breaststroke swimming for Team GB at the international in Berlin.
At the same contest she added three silvers and two bronzes and secured personal bests in the majority of her swims.
The success came in the wake of another brace of bronze medals she secured at an international competition in Glasgow.
Jay hopes her success will catch the eye of selectors as she strives to secure a place in the Para-Olympic squad, which heads off to Rio in 2016.
The 13-year-old was born with half a right arm, a similar disability to 2012 Team GB swimmer Amy Marren, and tried a variety of sports before discovering her talent for swimming three years ago.
Jay, who trains eight times a week including at 6am and after school, competes in the 50m, 100m, 200m and 400m at all strokes but has a particular passion for butterfly.
“I was very pleased with the result,” the Year 8 student said. “I was a bit nervous at first because it was the first time I have competed abroad. But it felt great wearing Team GB colours, I swam well and my family was very proud of me.”
Jay will next compete in the nationals, which will be staged in Manchester in July.
St Aidan’s Academy principal Nicole Gibbon said: “Jay’s achievements are absolutely incredible and the whole school is thrilled to see her in the medals.
“For me, the fact that she has achieved so many personal bests says it all as it is all we can ask from any student, whether that is in sport, their studies or how they interact with the community. Jay remains an incredible role model for her peers.”
