24-year-old Tully Kearney from Aldridge has won a gold medal on the second day at the Tokyo Paralympics.
Born with cerebral palsy, the seven-time world champion has also set a new World Record in the pool in the S5 100m freestyle, achieving a time of 1:14:39.
Despite being told that she may never be able to swim again, Kearney showed incredible determination after scooping a silver medal on the first day in the S5 200m freestyle event, before claiming gold in comfortable style.
Watch Tully Kearney break the world record at 2020 Tokyo Paralympics
“I’ve got so many people to thank,” said Kearney.
“Firstly my mum. After Rio I was told for the second time I’d never be able to swim again because of my shoulder physical limitation and for me at that point I didn’t even want to try to swim again.
“And if it wasn’t for her forcing me to swim again, not to this level, but she just wanted me to know that I could physically swim.
“If it wasn’t for her, I would not have pushed and being able to get back to this level is something that no one ever thought would be possible.
“So it’s absolutely incredible and even 19 days ago I was in so much pain with my shoulder that we didn’t think I’d be able to race and be physically fit.
“It’s just crazy – it hasn’t sunk in yet.”
A huge congratulations from everyone at Pioneer Magazines!