When Madelaine Goodridge swims all the pain she experiences with having cerebral palsy disappears.
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“I feel loose like all my muscles are relaxed after the training is done,” she said.
The 12-year-old Kew resident has just been announced as the recipient of a Variety Heart Scholarship.
The scholarship, which is awarded to kids with an existing talent living with a disability, chronic illness or financial hardship, will enable the St Joseph’s Regional College student to pursue her dream of representing Australia in swimming at the 2020 Paralympics in Tokyo.
Between now and the Paralympics Madelaine said she has to increase the amount she trains. She is still recovering from a recent shoulder injury.
Despite her intense training schedule Madelaine said she never gets sick of training as she said it helps to ‘clear her mind’ and ‘relax her muscles’.
Madelaine’s mum Kate transports her to pools in Port Macquarie, Laurieton and Kendall.
“It’s a bit difficult with the restrictions during winter,” she said.
Madelaine is not letting anything get in the way of achieving what she wants. At the moment she is training for nationals in April. She will compete in breaststroke, freestyle and backstroke.
She loves competitive swimming and is always challenging herself to be faster and better.
“I’m thankful to Variety for my scholarship,” said Madelaine.
“It’s great to be supported in my dream to one day become a Paralympian.”
Madelaine will use her Variety Heart Scholarship towards private training.
Variety – the Children’s Charity NSW/ACT CEO, David Sexton said the Variety Heart Scholarships help kids build on their existing talent and enthusiasm for their passion.
“A Variety Heart Scholarship can help remove some of the financial barriers which can prevent Aussie kids from pursuing their dreams and exploring their full potential,” said Mr Sexton.
