Paralympian swimmer shows he’s got it
Leg-less paralympian swimmer Jesse Reynolds has shown the world stage he’s got it.
Leg-less paralympian swimmer Jesse Reynolds has shown the world stage he’s got it.
At the US Disability Open in Cincinnati on May 19, the Hamilton teenager broke three New Zealand records.
Jesse, 15, back in New Zealand after his record-breaking feats, felt he went “amazingly well” with five out of six personal bests, two first placings, two seconds and two thirds.
He made the qualifying time for the London Paralympics but New Zealand can only send three paralympians. He aims to reach the Paralympics in Brazil in 2016.
Meeting people from other countries, going to theme parks and eating the American food was part of the plan for Cincinnati, but Jesse mostly spent his time in the pool.
“Swimming overseas was an amazing experience. The competition was so much better and it was great to be able to see where I stand on the world stage.
“The thing I love about swimming is that it is something I can do along with everyone else.
“It gives me something to achieve in my life.
“It gives other people something else to call me rather than the one legged kid.”
The three records Jesse broke were the 50m butterfly with 33.8 seconds, the 100m butterfly in 1:13.2 and the 200m (medley) at 2.43.9.
Jesse has only one leg after he was born without a femur. He now has a prosthetic leg that he removes to swim.
Check out an earlier story on Jesse here:
http://www.waikatoindependent.co.nz/2012/05/swimmer-fundraises-pursuit-gold/5110/
