Gold for Maisie as Northampton swimming club score another Paralympic success


Northamptonshire swimmer Maisie Summers-Newton has won Paralympic gold and set a new world record triggering joyous scenes back in the region.

Maisie set a world best time of 2:56:68 in the Women's SM6 200m individual medley.

There were scenes of celebration back home at the Northampton Swimming Club where Maisie trains.

Maisie Summers-Newton in the pool at Toyko Credit: PA Images

Tokyo newcomers, Zara Mullooly (S10) and William Perry (SM6) also train at the same club, as did Ellie Robinson (S6). 

Maisie left her hero and defending champion Ellie Simmonds trailing in sixth place.

Summers-Newton grew up idolising five-time Paralympic champion Simmonds, inspired by her exploits at London 2012.

It was a stunning last 100m from the Brit. She beat Ukraine's Yelzaveta Mereshko who won silver, and Germany's Verena Schott bronze.

"That’s my main race and I'm glad to get it over and done with. Two more races and then next season put in the grind again."

There was more success for the region when veteran Paralympian Jody Cundy from Wisbech took silver on the cycling track.