A Sunbury Heights Primary School pupil who overcame significant odds to collect a swag of swimming ribbons has already started preparing for next year’s endeavours after performing well at the School Sports Victoria titles.
Lilly Rowbottom, 9, who was born without a right hand, finished fourth in the 50-metre breaststroke and eighth in the 50-metre backstroke at this week’s event at Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre.
Sister and guardian Megan Rowbottom said the grade 4 pupil relished the opportunity to compete at the 2006 Commonwealth Games venue.
‘‘She just loved it,” Megan said. “Straight away, she was like, ‘I can’t wait for next year’.’’
As reported by Star Weekly, Lilly defied the odds to win the 50-metre breaststroke and backstroke at last month’s regional titles. In addition to her birth defect, she overcame relative inexperience and the death of her mother on her way to qualifying for the state event.
Megan said Lilly, who competed at MSAC against pupils with disabilities including deafness and autism, was also thinking about starting a running career.
‘‘She just gives it everything,’’ Megan said. ‘‘We’re so proud of her.’’
