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by New Zealand Broadcasting School students

by New Zealand Broadcasting School students

Special Olympics swimmer takes on national games

Sport

Adriana Tobin
Bella 1
Bella Lammers training at the Selwyn Aquatic Centre.  Regan Clark/NZBS

Olympic bronze medalist Bella Lammers is preparing to make a splash at the Special Olympic National Summer Games.

Bella Lammers will compete next month in Christchurch’s new Parikiore Recreation and Sports Centre. She’ll be joined by athletes across the country from December 10th to 14th.

But this isn’t the 23-year-old's first time on the big stage.

Two years ago, Lammers represented New Zealand at the 2023 Special Olympics World Summer Games in Berlin, bringing home a bronze medal.

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Lammers started swimming in primary school, inspired by her dad Coen. Twelve years later she’s still competing, and says her favourites are breaststroke and butterfly. 

Bella currently trains twice on a Wednesday and occasionally on a Friday at the Selwyn Aquatic Centre.

Mum Suzi Lammers says competing in the Special Olympics has provided opportunities for Bella to travel and meet new people.

"I’ve really enjoyed watching her compete. She gets really competitive, and she’ll sometimes get out of the pool and go that sucked. So she really knows when she’s done well and when she hasn’t done well herself. It’s not so much about winning its about how she feels about the race herself."

As Lammers looks ahead to Christchurch, she has one clear goal.

“I’m pretty excited, and never give up on your dreams.”