Medal collection keeps growing
Josie Noble is a seasoned professional at national swimming events, and has the medals to prove it.
The 27-year-old Christchurch woman has been training hard in the lead-up to the 2017 Special Olympics National Summer Games which will be held in Wellington next week.
Noble is one of about 80 Canterbury representatives flying to the capital to compete against over 1200 athletes from more than 42 Special Olympics clubs around New Zealand.
Noble is modest about her past achievements, of which there have been many, including a gold and silver medal from the world games in 2015. Now she hopes to add to the medal tally she has been building since her first Special Olympics held in Christchurch 12 years ago.
Noble said training at the gym has helped her get stronger in the pool and she was keen to get a podium finish in one of her three events - the 200m freestyle, 100m freestyle and 100m individual medley.
Two years ago she received her swimming teachers certificate, and now teaches younger children how to swim at the Wharenui pool every Saturday morning.
She loves the rewards of teaching kids how to swim, but sometimes finds it difficult when they get distracted and don’t listen. ‘‘They can be a bit tough at times.’’
Noble first started competing in swimming and skiing (she won two gold medals and a silver medal at the 2011 National Winter Games) when she was 14-years-old. She moved to Christchurch from Palmerston North just a few weeks before the 2011 February earthquake, and has competed with her Canterbury club ever since.
When describing what she enjoys most about Special Olympics, she pinpoints ‘‘being able to compete, having a good time, and making friends’’.
Noble has many interests outside of Special Olympics, including dance, drama, and attending regular social groups and clubs with other people with disabilities. She also works part-time at plant and food research plant in Lincoln.
A flag bearer for Special Olympics Canterbury, she went on to win three gold medals and a silver medal at the 2013 national summer games.
She is also an accomplished public speaker.
With her role as a Special Olympics New Zealand global messenger, Noble has presented to community groups around Christchurch to raise the profile of the sporting organisation.