Ella Jones to represent Australia at World Para Swimming Championships
Just three years into her swimming career, Ella Jones is well on the way to achieving her dream of competing at next year’s Paralympic Games.
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Just three years into her swimming career, Ella Jones is well on the way to achieving her dream of competing at next year’s Paralympic Games.
The 18 year old from Emu Plains has been selected to represent Australia at the 2019 World Para Swimming Championships in September.
A strong showing there and Ella will book her ticket to Tokyo.
However the Springwood Swimming Club representative is making sure not to let her expectations run wild.
“(Worlds) will be my first international competition at such a high level,” Jones said.
“I’m not quite sure what events I’ll be competing in yet but most likely it will be the 400m freestyle, the 50m freestyle, the 100m freestyle and possibly the 100m backstroke.
“My expectations are just to work hard and try my best and gain experience so I can better my career.”
For Jones, who has cerebral palsy, just making it to the world championships is a stellar achievement.
“I was so excited and completely elated when I found out I’d be representing my country,” she said.
“When I found out I told my parents and they were crying and my coach was crying and I rang my nan and told her and then she started crying, so everyone was just a mess.
“But it was happy tears, because this is what I’ve been working towards for my entire career.”
Ella is a nominee for the 2019 Penrith Press Junior Sports Star award.
Nominations are now open for NewsLocal’s Local Sports Star competition.
For details or to nominate, go to localsportsstars.com.au