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Why We Do What We Do - Holly Sullivan
Holly is a Down Syndrome swimmer who started learn to swim lessons at Swindon Oasis aged 4. At the end of her first lesson the teacher came to speak with Holly's parents and said that Holly could not continue in the group, they suggested a move to the parent toddler group, where they would be with younger children but mum and dad could get in the water with her. Holly's parents said, "Looking back, this was the biggest moment in Holly’s journey to representing her country."
 Over many years and with the help of several different instructors Holly made progress and moved through the learn to swim levels until she successfully finished stage 9. At this point, Holly progressed to a local swimming club, Swindon ASC, who were able to give Holly an opportunity to continue to swim. She made the move into a competitive Swimming environment and is now swimming 4 times a week with 2 clubs at various GLL sites (Swindon ASC & Reading Cygnets). At this time Holly joined Reading Cygnets, a swimming club especially for people with learning disabilities, where Holly gained access to some disability competitions.
At the age of 13 Holly beat an established member of the Down Syndrome GB team at a major competition held annually in Southampton. This led to her being invited to train with the GB team, and within 1 year, she was part of the team travelling to Paris to take part in a European competition.
Holly was selected for 3 relay teams where she achieved a gold medal & two silver medals. In short, Holly at 13 was experienced and fast enough to make the GB relay team in an adult competition, as well as make the 100m backstroke final and become top junior in 400m freestyle.
She is now a training with the Down Syndrome GB team at quarterly training camps alongside her normal club swimming and has achieved qualification times for the World Championships in Canada in July 2018.
Holly’s journey from a learn to swim programme through to international competition is a sporting love story which has played out in GLL facilities in Swindon for the last 10 years.
In recognition for her swimming achievements Holly was awarded the Wiltshire County Swimmer of the Year award, which is an award voted on by representatives from all of the swimming clubs in Wiltshire. A truly magnificent achievement.
Keep up the unbelievable work Holly!
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