Nothing could trip up Frances ’ Olympic dream
Mum’s pride at 20-year-old’s medal
FRANCES Smiley was diagnosed with dyspraxia as a child and was barely able to walk without tripping over.
But the tennis player from Prestwick has celebrated turning 20 by landing a silver medal in the ladies’ singles at the Special Olympics World Games.
She is already British champion but getting a medal at the World Games meant everything to the youngster, who struggled through school and college with learning difficulties.
Frances’s mum Christina, who was in the stadium in Abu Dhabi with husband Nick, said: “Fran’s delighted with her result. So are we – but tired out too.”
Describing her daughter’s condition, Christina added: “We didn’t know there was anything wrong at first.
“She was very small when she was born, just 5.5lb, but she was a very engaging child, very smiley.
“Her language was really slow to develop but she never struggled with communication – it was just the words weren’t there.
“She was diagnosed as having global learning difficulties but she has always had dyspraxia.
“In education, she really was a square peg in a round hole. We had to find out ourselves about opportunities for sport.
“There are other people in the same position and it is really important to realise there are kids who can work really hard and do things. Special Olympics is one way to channel their talents.”
Frances’s brother and sister Patrick, 15, and Alexandra, 16, who are studying for exams, will be part of a family celebration when the medal winner returns next week.
Scots successes yesterday included gold for Zoe Irving, from Langholm, Dumfriesshire, in the Bocce singles, silver for Alexander Thomson of Hamilton in the 400m, bowling silver and bronze for Zoe Irving from Loanhead, Midlothian, and bronze for Annan’s Tammara McIlwean in the 400m walk.
There was a bronze for GB’s basketball team which includes Scots Ashleyanne Fleming, of Lanarkshire, and Glasgow’s Justine Kerr and Leanne Woolfe.