In the news

Lauren makes Great Britain team for europeans in Iceland later this year

Lauren takes bronze in the 50 free at the BT Paralympic World Cup Manchester on bank holiday monday 25th May 2009 (televised by the BBC)

Devon County Reverse 800m/1500m Competition

Some great swimming and good results, well done to everyone, especially Lauren Steadman for breaking the 1500m front crawl British S9 Record, by 2 minutes in November 2008. 15 seconds off the World Record.

We were invited to Kelly College in November for a Gala Dinner with the Headmaster, and Major of Devon to celebrate with the athletes that went to Beijing. This was a very enjoyable and exciting evening for us all. Lauren received a lovely framed certificate from the Major of Devon and a Dartington Crystal Bowl from Kelly College. Please see attached pictures of the event.

Awards Ceremony held in December 2008

Disability Sport Events (DSE), in association with Nationwide Building Society, today announces the winners of this year's Sports Awards. The awards ceremony, which took place at Manchester United FC on 16 December 2008, recognised the achievements of athletes and volunteers with rewards to help support the ongoing development of disability sports talent.

Amongst the guests celebrating disability sport, were Manchester City FC's Shaun Wright-Phillips, ex-NBA player John Amaechi, bronze Olympic swimming medallist Cassie Patten and winner of the BBC young sports personality of the year Eleanor Simmonds. This year's sports awards 35 individuals from across the UK were recognised for their achievements within disability sport. Lauren was Swimmer of the Meet at the DSE Juniors in Sheffield in March and won National Juniors Nationwide award.

In December 2009 Lauren was successful again in maintaining her place on the World Class Podium programme with British Swimming.

In January 2009 Lauren was invited to attend the World Class Pathway Training Camp and Recce, from 24th January - 1st February 2009 in Eindhoven. This is where the International Paralympics Committee World Long Course Championships will take place next Year in 2010.

The factors that have influenced the selection are as follows:

1. Athletes achieving trainability
2. Athletes showing National Programme adherence
3. Athletes who will benefit from a camp at this time of the year
4. Athletes who will benefit from this camp based on the Annual Review process
5. Athletes who will have a specific influence on the recce

She had a great time and was able to assist in choosing the Hotel ahead of the games for the swimmers.

Visit To Meet The Queen

On 25 February 2009 Lauren attended with the Paralympic team that went to Beijing a reception at Buckingham Palace with the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh. Lauren said she had a lovely time and was surprised how small the Queen was. Lauren said she spoke very softly and congratulated them on all their achievements.

DSE Junior Championships - March 2009

On 7/8 March Lauren swam at the DSE Junior SC Championships in Sheffield, this is ahead of the British Championships in Sheffield to be held 16 - 20 March 09. Lauren was tapering for the British Championships, so did very well at this meet, coming away with 6 Silvers and 2 gold's and three Personal Best times.

Exams

Lauren has started to sit her GCSE exams in May and June. Lauren is taking 10 exams and is predicted some very good grades all A to C passes. Lauren is hoping to study A-Level Maths, Physics and Religious Studies at Kelly College this coming September 09.

Sawtry Carnival - Saturday 6th June 2009

Lauren has had an invitation to be the Guest at our local Village carnival to be held on Saturday 6 June 2009. Lauren has accepted and is quite excited as she will have the opportunity to display all her Beijing memorabilia, previous medals and trophies and wear her GB kit. Discuss her achievements and swimming commitments. Lauren has been asked to judge the best dressed group in the parade. Answer questions and be around to sign autographs!

DSE International Meet Sheffield 15/17 MAY 2009 & Qualifying Meet

This last weekend 15/17 May Lauren achieved the qualifying times and was selected to represent Great Britain in the European Swimming Championships in Reykjavik Iceland in October 09. Lauren had an intense weekend at Sheffield swimming in the 400 Freestyle and achieving the qualifying time. Then the 50 Freestyle missing out on just 100ths of a second. Then on the last day achieving the time in the 100 Freestyle with personal bests on both the heat and the finals. Also achieving a PB in the 200Im of over 6 seconds!

July Qualifying Meet For The World Short Course Chanpionships In Brazil

On the 4/5 July 09 the qualifying meet will take place in Newport, Wales for the Short Course World Championships to be held in Rio de Janerio Brazil late November / December 09. Lauren really hopes to do well in these.

Lauren will have to juggle her exams and revision around the training and qualifying meets.