A BARNSLEY teenager will be making her way to Brazil later this year to represent England in the World Schools Championship.
Gabrielle Idle-Beavers, 15, from Darton, will travel to Rio de Janeiro in August to take part in the swimming championships which are held in the Olympic arena.
She’s been swimming religiously since she was just eight and has gone from strength-to-strength - and her mum, Nicky, said she couldn’t be more proud of her daughter.
“She was born prematurely so had to stay at Barnsley Hospital for a few weeks,” she said.
“We were told that she might have some learning difficulties and she learnt to swim and ride a bike at three because she wasn’t talking.
“She’s come so far now that you wouldn’t even realise what had happened before.
“She’s been picked up to represent England in Rio and I’m so proud of her - anyone would be.
“We’re also looking for sponsorship for her - we’ve had a couple of people already get in touch.”
Contact the Barnsley Chronicle if you want to sponsor Gabrielle’s journey.
