Campaign Ambassador - Louise Fiddes

Name: Louise Fiddes

Sports/Activities: Swimming

Locality: Welwyn Hatfield

My sporting journey began in primary school. After my brother and I nearly drowned, our parents were determined that we learnt how to swim. My mum took me to a local swim school, and from that moment, I never looked back. I progressed to Welwyn Garden Swimming Club and later to Hatfield, one of the highest-ranked clubs in the country. Since then, I’ve been fortunate enough to work my way up the Paralympic pathway, representing Paralympics GB at Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024. In Paris, I achieved my dream and won gold in the SB14 women’s 100m breaststroke, an event for athletes with an intellectual disability.

Getting involved in Para-swimming wasn’t easy at first. The classification process took three years, and during that time I questioned whether it was the right path for me. I worried it might make me feel different from others. However, everything changed after my first Para-swimming meet. I quickly realised it was a community I truly wanted to be part of. Everyone was incredibly welcoming, and the coaches I’ve worked with have supported me so well. They’ve helped me to not only not only gained skills in the pool, but also develop important life skills, such as writing a CV.

Swimming has always played a huge role in building my confidence, even during my school years, and I want to continue enjoying it for as long as I can. Looking ahead, my goal is to work towards the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympic Games, and I’ll also be competing at the 2026 Commonwealth Games. My advice to others is simple: don’t be afraid to try something new. Explore different opportunities and take the time to find what feels right for you.