Good news has arrived for a Droitwich swimmer flying to the 2020 Paralympics in Tokyo.
Swimmer Rebecca Redfern flies to Tokyo yesterday (Wednesday) to take part in the 2020 Paralympics.
Her father Steve Redfern said they were inundated with people who wish her well before the trip.
“It was nice, all of the neighbors and everyone who knows what’s going on.
“Social media has gone a little crazy and the swimming clubs – everyone has said goodbye and good luck.”
He said Rebecca started swimming when she was five and went to Droitwich Dolphins when she was eight because her brothers did it before they went to Worcester.
It was in Worcester that the coach said she could swim for the Paralympic team because she was visually impaired.
She waves off @ beckyredfern99 when she goes to the Paralympic Games in Tokyo !!! # Tokyo2020 #ImpossibleToIgnore pic.twitter.com/eCovftAje4
– Steve Redfern (@ AMRN77) August 11, 2021
Since then, the 21-year-old has won silver in Rio 2016, has temporarily become world record holder and number one in the world.
“Who knows what will happen in Tokyo.
“She is fourth in the world right now and trains really well.
“Your coaches have said that they are training better now than before.
“It’s a little strange about the preparations for last year, but then the world stopped and it all got a little bit surreal.
“In some ways, it did her a favor because she gave birth to a child last July and thought she couldn’t go to Tokyo.”
While the family has been able to travel around Rio and cheer them on, they’ll be watching from home this year because of the restrictions.
They waved her off this morning (Wednesday) before her boyfriend drove her to Heathrow.
She will take part in the 50m freestyle, 100m chest on August 29th and the final on September 1st.
“We’ll have the whole family for the final, but it will be very strange not to be there.
“It’s a shame it’s behind closed doors because these athletes are all working so hard and they are going to swim Becky in a pool with no atmosphere.
“She’ll be able to hear us because we’re making noise,” he joked.
Mr Redfern said the whole family is proud of Rebecca’s accomplishments: “I told her it was extraordinary to get to this point.
“Whatever comes after that is a bonus.”
Among the well-wishers was the manager of the swimming pool, where she learned to swim for the first time.
All the best, good games, Droitwich and Wychavon will be cheering @Wychavon @WychavonComDev
– Clr Richard J. Morris (@ richmoz1) August 11, 2021
Tim Kirkham, Manager of Droitwich Leisure Center, said: “Becky has been coming to Droitwich Leisure Center since she was little.
“She learned to swim with us and even cut the ribbon on our new extension over at the Evesham Leisure Center.
“We’re just so incredibly happy and proud to see Becky compete for the UK again, this time at the Tokyo Paralympics.
“Good luck Becky”
St. John’s Alderman Richard Udall tweeted, “Good luck whatever happens, Worcestershire is proud.”
Another Twitter user said, “Good luck @ beckyredfern99. All of @Worcesterswim will CALL you.”
Wychavon District Council Deputy Chairman Cllr Richrd Morris added: “Best wishes, have great games, Droitwich and Wychavon will be cheering.”