Tully Kearney: Paralympic Swimmer's 18-Month Journey to Paris Glory

Tully Kearney, a Paralympic swimmer training at Loughborough University, is set to compete in her third Paralympic Games, this time in Paris. Her journey to the Games has been far from straightforward, marked by a gruelling 18-month battle to overcome adversity and return to the world stage.

Kearney's Paralympic debut in Rio 2016 was cut short due to a combination of dystonia, a muscle condition that causes involuntary muscle contractions, and a persistent shoulder injury. Her mother, Amanda, described the impact this had on her daughter: "Tully was born with very mild cerebral palsy. It was when she was 13 that she started to deteriorate. At a time when her friends were becoming more independent, she became a full-time wheelchair user. That was difficult for her to deal with. Then, when she had to withdraw from the Rio Games with dystonia, it had a huge effect on her mental health."

The Tokyo Paralympics in 2021, delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, were a poignant moment for both Tully and her mother. "It was the first time I'd not been there to support her, and it felt really strange," Amanda shared. "We had to watch it live in the Channel 4 studio in Leeds, which was nerve-wracking."

Despite the challenges, Kearney persevered, ultimately competing in Tokyo, where she secured a bronze medal. The experience, though, was far from ideal, with the Games held behind closed doors. "It will be nice to be there this time," Amanda said, "She won't see me, but she'll know I'm there. I start off quiet but as the races go on, I get more and more excited. And we'll all be there under a flag printed with 'TEAM TULLY' on it. I'm so looking forward to experiencing it all with a crowd this time."

This time around, Kearney is aiming to defend her S5 100m freestyle title, while also competing in the S5 200m freestyle and the S5 50m backstroke. She currently holds the top ranking in all three events, making her a strong contender for multiple medals. These Games offer a chance for Kearney to put "a difficult 18 months" behind her and demonstrate her unwavering dedication to the sport.

With a relentless spirit and a determination to succeed, Tully Kearney is ready to take on the challenge of the Paris Paralympics. The support of her family, particularly her mother Amanda, will be a vital element in her journey to achieving her goals.