Blind twin sisters chosen to compete in the Paris Paralympics say they want to inspire other people with the same disability to take up the sport.
Scarlett and Eliza Humphrey from Northampton have been blind since birth.
The 19-year-olds represent ParalympicsGB in the S11 category (for swimmers who are blind or nearly blind) and compete wearing dark goggles to make it fair for all competitors.
“Swimming gives us a sense of freedom,” Scarlett said.
The sisters made history in June 2022 by becoming The first twins to compete for Team GB at the World Para Swimming Championships in Madeira.
They train more than 20 hours a week and their parents take them to the pool early in the morning – and also in the afternoon.
Scarlett added: “I have no boundaries; I have ropes on the lane to keep me in it and control what I’m doing.
“We have little taps on our heads or shoulders to let us know when to turn at the end of a pitch.”
The twins started swimming as children at the local swimming club.
“We are very close,” says Eliza.
“We made our competitive debut together. Now we’re going to the Paralympics together. We use each other as motivation and we’re very competitive.
“We know how hard each other works and we compete with each other. Rivalry is always present, but we are also friends and have a lot in common.”
“I’m very proud of both of them,” said their mother Sharon.
“They started with a traditional learn-to-swim program and have made rapid progress in recent years.
“They have been blind since birth, but swimming is an inclusive sport. Children learn in the same way. The only difference is that they have a tapper.
“Seeing him in Paris this summer will be very exciting.”
The girls are two of four Northampton Swimming Club swimmers included in the ParalympicsGB team, which includes defending Paralympic champion Maisie Summers-Newton and Bruce Dee.
“We never dreamed of the Paralympics, they were never on our radar. They are very special,” Scarlett admitted.
“I’ve always wanted to do this,” Eliza said.
“I want to enjoy it. We want to raise awareness and if we can get another person with our disability to swim in the pool, that would be great.”
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