THIS week the South Eastern Regional College’s Paralympic swimming gold champion Bethany Firth from Seaforde, better known in the sports world as a professional swimmer, is back to porridge.
After setting a new Paralympic record, the 16-year old returned home last week and it was back to college in Newtownards where she is currently completing a Catering and Nutrition qualification at SERC.
At only 16, Bethany has already won several major titles including winning silver at the 2011 European Championships.
LISTEN TO BETHANY FIRTH ON YOU TUBE
Humble Bethany, who recently had her village post box in Seaforde painted gold in her honour, claimed the Paralympic record victory for Team Ireland in the 100m backstroke, despite having only been swimming for three years and sustaining a shoulder injury earlier this year, which had her fitness in doubt on the run up to the London 2012 games!
Commenting on her short time at SERC, Bethany said: “The atmosphere is really good and I have already made lots of new friends. I just hope I don’t burn anything.
“I am looking forward to learning a new trade and am very proud to have brought a gold medal home with me,” added Bethany.
Bethany, who is still in full training, explained: “I get up at 4am and train for two hours before coming to SERC. I do the same in the evenings. It’s hard work but I really enjoy it.”
Ken Webb Principal and Chief Executive at SERC said: “We are delighted to welcome Bethany to SERC. I think she will be a real inspiration for the other students and for them to see what can be achieved through hard work; confidence and determination will be a great motivator for them.
“Everyone, both here at SERC and in the local community, is extremely proud of her achievements and I am delighted she has chosen SERC as her preferred further education college. I would like to take this opportunity to wish Bethany and all the new students who have started SERC this year, every success in their studies.”
Bethany said she hopes her achievement will inspire the younger generations and anyone with a physical or learning difficulty to get involved with sport.
(For more information about the range of courses available at SERC please visit www.serc.ac.uk or call 0845 600 7555.)
