Swimming coach Andy Sharp has shed tears of joy after Maisie Summers-Newton won gold at the Paralympic Games.
Summers-Newton, at the age of just 19, won the SM6 200m individual medley yesterday in Tokyo and even managed to secure the world record. It marks a remarkable rise to prominence in the sport for the teenage sensation with many expecting her to become, in hindsight, one of the faces of the Games for Team GB.
Andy Sharp is one of the coaches who helped Maisie to achieve her dreams this year in Tokyo and when interviewed about her gold medal success by Channel 4, he simply couldn’t contain his emotions.
The childhood dream comes true
An interview that will bring a tear to your eye ?
— C4 Paralympics (@C4Paralympics) August 26, 2021
Swimming coach Andy Sharp has worked so hard to help @maisiee26 achieve her Paralympic dream, and he couldn't hold back his emotions ❤️? #Tokyo2020 #C4Paralympics @NSC_Swim pic.twitter.com/NbiGMWW3gA
“It’s just so special for a young girl to go and achieve her dreams. To be part of that along with Jacquie, who’s out there with her, is just brilliant. It’s quite emotional. When a swimmer says to you Andy, I want to go to the Paralympics, as coaches we do our best to help them achieve their goals. Me and Jacquie have worked so hard, and it’s happened!”
“Maisie was inspired by all of her heroes at London 2012 and Rio 2016 and now she’s going to inspire all of the athletes here today.”
Summers-Newton will be getting right back to work tomorrow in the women’s 100m breaststroke SB6 event but for now, it’s all about sitting back and basking in the glory of what she’s been able to accomplish.
Featured image credit: Getty
