Holly’s spirited send-off to Paris

On Friday, St Hilda’s celebrated as one of their students and the youngest member of the Australian Paralympics Swimming team prepares to jet off to Paris. Here’s what they did.

If Gold Coast Paralympian Holly Warn is feeling nervous about going up against the world’s best swimmers, she did a good job of hiding it.

On Friday, St Hilda’s School gave a special farewell to the 15-year-old, who is the youngest swimmer selected to compete at the 2024 Summer Paralympics in Paris.

The year 9 student was met with a tunnel of green and gold as she prepares to leave Australia for France in 10 days.

Holly said she was excited to compete.

“I’m really excited to get to Paris... I’m just going to try and have fun and do my best... It’s taken many years to get to this point and all my family and school,” she said.

On Friday, St Hilda's farewelled Holly Warn who is heading to the 2024 Paralympics. From left, Elle Warn Year 12, Holly Warn and Lani Warn Year 7. Picture: Supplied

St Hilda’s Principal Virginia Warner said the entire community has been inspired by Holly and her journey.

“She just has continued to show perseverance and commitment, she has such a positive outlook and absolutely inspires not only our younger girls, but everyone that knows her.

“We’re very thrilled to have her and her sisters [at St Hilda’s], and it’s really special for us to all get behind her as she swims over in Paris,” she said.

From L to R coach Alex Beaver, Marg Warn, Lani Warn, Holly Warn, Elle Warn, St Hilda's principal Virginia Warner and John Warn. PIcture: Supplied

Holly has Cerebral Palsy, which affects the left side of her body and causes her to fatigue easier.

She qualified for the S7 100m and 400m freestyle, and could also be in line for a freestyle relay spot in Paris.

Holly is the daughter of Experience Gold Coast CEO John Warn who will travel with his family to Paris to cheer her on during the Games.