Imogen aims for future medals
Seven-year-old Imogen wants to be just like Paralympic swimming gold medallist Mary Fisher.
Imogen was born with a genetic condition called Leber Congenital Amaurosis, which has left her blind.
Fisher’s wins in swimming competitions despite her visual impairment encouraged Imogen to take up swimming lessons herself.
‘‘She is inspired by Mary Fisher and the knowledge that being blind doesn’t need to hold her back,’’ Imogen’s mum, Nettie says.
‘‘Imogen started swimming lessons when she was 4 and has been receiving funding from the Halberg Foundation for two terms a year since then.
‘‘She loves swimming.’’
The Mt Eden Normal Primary School student loves swimming, Nettie says.
Being in the water has helped her gain more confidence and great satisfaction from developing and accomplishing new skills.
She also loves baking and riding her bike.
‘‘Imogen is indeed a determined and strong personality.
‘‘She certainly has her moments of frustrations and challenges but we encourage her that she can do anything that she puts her mind to.
‘‘The challenge is to continue finding ways to make things accessible to her that other children access visually.’’
Swimming was hard for Imogen at first, but she’s lapped up every opportunity in the water and now refuses to leave when a lesson is over.
‘‘Initially when she started swimming, she was reluctant to put her head under the water.
‘‘Now she loves diving down to sit on the bottom of the pool.
‘‘She loves it when she can do something new.’’
Nettie says they are excited to continue Imogen’s swimming lessons to see where it will take her.
Whether it steers her to a medal or not, they are happy that at least it’s helping their little girl live a normal life.
‘‘Swimming has given her confidence, which has a social spinoff because this is an area where physically she is able to participate on more of an even playing field with her peers.
‘‘Whether she makes it to the level of a Paralympic swimmer of course remains to be seen.
‘‘We have quite a way to go yet.’’