Lauren Steadman Paralympic Swimmer

Lauren was born without her right hand and arm below the elbow joint. We have included within this write-up some history of how Lauren, has achieved so much in such a short period of time, not only in her sport, but educationally, personally and her true grit and determination not to let her disability stand in her way of aims for the future and achievements to date.

Lauren had a passion for swimming from a very early age. She started swimming before she was even a year old. Then when she was old enough to start lessons at our local village pool, she seemed to be a natural. When Lauren was 4 years old she was lucky enough to meet Mark Foster through our local pool and an Anglian Water sponsored event at Centre Parcs. I believe this inspired Lauren to have a goal to aim for and this is exactly what she has set herself to do. Lauren does not allow any thing new to alarm her, she is so focused, even at 16 years old and just gives her all to get the best from herself.

A few years later, Lauren was coached by Patsy Coleman (Splash Academy) and previous GB Paralympic coach, for a number of years and then in June 05 Lauren joined Huntingdon Piranhas swim club to gain confidence and experience at belonging to an actual competitive swimming club. Later in 2007 Lauren joined Kelly College under Robin Brew to further develop her swimming and training alongside a structured schooling programme.

Lauren only started to compete at competition level at her first Disability Sport England (DSE) Junior short course held at Ponds Forge Sheffield in March 2006, winning several podium medals, so has only been competing at this level for just over three years. Within this time, she has achieved fantastic results.

Lauren's family, friends, swimming colleagues and Teachers have always commented on how Lauren is an all rounder in every area or aspect of her life. They comment on how she never boasts about her achievements but how she just manages to lift the atmosphere of those around her and her teachers have always said that Lauren is a good role model for her peers and would make an excellent Ambassador, as she never judges or feels she is any different from anyone else.

Lauren is working hard towards 2012 and winning a medal for her country but has already achieved the qualifying standards required for selection to Beijing in 2008. Where she competed for Great Britain in the 50, 100 and 400 Freestyle events.

History of Achievements to Date:

1. Inclusion on the World Class Athletes Podium Level with British Swimming
2. Selection to swim for GB at the Danish Open in March 2007, bringing home 7 medals including Gold
3. Being Awarded a Scholarship at Kelly College in Devon for her swimming and academic ability coached by Robin Brew
4. Being selected to represent the Eastern Region at the UK School Games hosted in Coventry. Winning all 3 of her races to bring home Gold's for the region and beating 2 UK school Games records from the previous year
5. Winning BBC Sports Personality with Disability Award 2007 for the Eastern Region
6. Selection for the GB Paralympic Team that competed in Beijing in 2008
7. Selection to swim for GB in the German Open Championships in Berlin last May 2008 gaining 3 Personal bests and 2 medals for her country
8. Breaking the 1500m Front crawl S9 British record by 2 minutes in November 2008
9. Bronze Medal at the BT Paralympic World cup in Manchester May 2009 for 50 freestyle
10. Selection to represent GB for the IPC European Swimming Championships in October 2009
11. Europeans bronze and gold medal