PARIS, Sept. 4 (Xinhua) -- Scottish swimmer Faye Rogers' gold medal in the Paralympic 100m S10 butterfly is yet another example of how the chance to compete in Paris has pushed athletes to show their very best in the face of adversity.
21-year-old Rogers began swimming when she was nine years old and had already had trials for the British Olympic team, but three years ago she was involved in a car accident that left her with limited movement in her elbow.
The accident happened, just before she was about to start work with new coach Patrick Miley, but medical staff told her the injury to her elbow means she would never swim competitively again.
"Being told you're never going to be able to compete again, or even swim properly, as someone whose life revolved around swimming was really, really tough," she said.
"I'm really proud of myself for bouncing back from that. My coach, Patrick Miley, has played a huge part. He supported me since day one."
The swimmer explained she had to call Miley from hospital to explain what had happened.
"I'd never actually worked with him yet. I was so anxious making that call because I didn't want to let him down," she said.
In the beginning, Rogers wasn't sure Miley would want to work with her, but the coach gladly accepted.
"He just couldn't have been more supportive (…) and my mum and dad and my whole family really, they've never stopped supporting me," she commented after claiming her gold medal.
"It's unbelievable: It's three years as of now since my accident and it's just such a lovely full circle."
"It's not sunk in yet and, when I was on the podium, I was in shock, I didn't know where to look and I just couldn't stop grinning. It's unbelievable. I couldn't be happier," concluded Rogers. ■
