Emma Hollis and her younger brother James from the Epping Forest District Swimming Club have both been selected to compete for Great Britain at the London Paralympics 2012.
The winning pair of talented sibling swimmers are said to be thrilled at the approaching prospect of representing their nation at the most exciting event of the year.
The dynamic Essex duo have a cluster of medals and a long, prestigious list of swimming accomplishments to their names. They both began swimming at an early age in order to protect their brittle bones by building muscle.
Emma, a busy student at Loughborough University, won three Gold and one Silver medal at the Midland Regional Zonal in 2011, as well claiming two world records at the British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS) in the same year.
Emma said she was "delighted" to be selected for Team GB: “I have worked really hard over the past few years to improve in my sport, something I am immensely proud of, as I am studying full time for my degree as well. Essex has given me so much support over the past year with the Team Essex Ambassador Award, I couldn’t be more grateful. I can’t wait for the Games to start to represent my country and of course Essex.”
James too is a record-breaking athlete, who made his debut at the 2011 IPC European Championships in Berlin. He made history at the 2012 British International Disability Championships in Sheffield by becoming the first British swimmer to do the 100 metre Butterfly in under a minute.
He said: “I don’t think I have ever been as happy as I was when I was told I had been selected. You put your heart and soul into your training and to be told you will represent your Country – it makes every second worthwhile.”
The Hollis siblings will be amongst some of our best hopes for a medal at the Aquatics Centre competitions this year.
During the last Paralympics, 11 Gold medals were brought home by the GB swimming squad, so the pressure is on for these fortunate youngsters.
Dancing Giraffe wishes them every success at the 2012 Games!
Written by Kerry Barr
