A COGGESHALL swimmer who has Down’s Syndrome has brought home a bronze medal following a successful outing at the Open European Swimming Championships in Italy.

Holly Bocking finished third in the 200m backstroke T21 category last month at the international competition, which was organised by the Down Syndrome International Swimming Organisation.

Ms Bocking, who is 22 and trains at Colchester Phoenix Amateur Swimming club five times per week, has achieved such success before.

In 2017, she competed in her first major championship when she represented Great Britain at the European Down Syndrome Championships, and it was then Bocking narrowly missed out on a place in the final.

But her commitment and tenacity over the past six years has seen her continue to represent her country internationally.

She said: “I was involved in freestyle, breast stroke, butterfly and won the medal in the 200m backstroke.

“I was really happy to win the medal – swimming for my country makes me feel very proud.”

Ms Bocking’s mum, Gill Bocking, added winning the medal was a special moment for the family, especially for Holly’s father and sister who went to Italy to support her.

She said: “This was a special medal for her as she had trained hard and was after an individual medal.

“Her dad and sister who were at the championships were delighted with her achievement.”

When Ms Bocking is not completing countless lengths of the swimming pool, she is pursuing her interest in Harry Potter and studying at Suffolk New College’s rural campus.

Principal and CEO of Suffolk New College, Alan Pease, presented Ms Bocking with a card, certificate and flowers to congratulate her on her achievement.

He said: “A massive well done to Holly – to compete and then win a medal for your country is outstanding.”

One of Ms Bocking’s teachers, Cherese Bradnum, who is a foundation and inclusive learning lecturer, said her student’s achievements were inspirational.

She said: “Holly really inspires everyone to take every opportunity that comes their way and believe that anything is possible.”

Colchester Phoenix Swimming Club, of which Ms Bocking is a member, specialises in offering a wide range of water based activities for people with disabilities.