At just 18 years old, Maisie Summers-Newton has already won European and World titles as well as setting multiple World records at high profile para-swimming events.

After the announcement that her SB6 swimming event is set to take place at Birmingham 2022, the Northampton based swimmer is relishing the prospect of competing on home soil in a new championships previously unavailable to swimmers in her discipline.

"For my event to be included in the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games is an incredible feeling to represent Team England and to race at a Commonwealth Games will be amazing. It is also another big step in the Paralympic movement so it’s a very good opportunity."

The announcement of the medal events earlier this week provided the largest para-sport competition in Commonwealth Games history, and for Summers-Newton the official confirmation made it seem very real.

"Obviously this year has been so tough with lockdown and Covid and everything being closed. With no real idea of what is going to happen in the future, but for the medal events to be announced it just makes it all seem real and something to look forward to."

Having competed in the World Championships on home soil in London last year, Birmingham 2022 will give Summers-Newton another chance to feel the support of a passionate partisan crowd.

"The World Championships had such a great home atmosphere and everyone was willing us along, hopefully it will be like that again in Birmingham and just to race with my family and friends watching me and whole country will be an incredible feeling." Summers-Newton said,

"Competing for Team England will be a very special moment, when I compete for Great Britain I am so proud to represent my country and make everyone else proud but I think just representing England is something a little bit special. It will be my first time and hopefully it is just something to really look forward to."

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