Jacqueline Freney is ready to compete
Local Paralympian Jacqueline Freney has touched down in Beijing and she likes what she sees.
“Jacqueline flew out on August 22 to Kuala Lumpur to meet the Austtralian Paralympic Swim Team. She is now in Beijing and has been training at the Watercube,” her mother Joanne said.
“She said it’s really really nice and the Olympic village is huge, like a town.”
Jacqueline, 16, of Skennars Head, was born with cerebral palsy — diplegia (which affects the movement of the body, mainly the legs).
Her parents were told she would have a lot of difficulty walking, participating in sport or any physical activity and that she would require years of therapy.
“They were right but that wouldn’t stop this competitive spirit from achieving her dreams,” Joanne said.
Jacqueline grew up at the pool. Her parents, Michael and Joanne, have managed public Olympic pools in Brisbane and Casino over the past 20 years.
“As an infant, Jacqui was a real water baby,” Joanne said.
“She has practically swam every day of her life.
“Jacqui couldn’t walk until she was three years old but the water was excellent therapy for Jacqueline’s condition.”
Jacqueline will be competing on:
Mon 8 Sept 100m Freestyle.
Fri 12 Sept 400m Freestyle.
Sun 14 Sept 50m Freestyle.
