Double Paralympic champion ready to defend titles

Maisie Summers-Newton made her GB debut in 2018 and has since become a European, Paralympic, World and Commonwealth champion

A double gold Paralympic medalist said she "would love nothing more than to defend my titles and come away with more medals" at Paris this summer.

Swimmer Maisie Summers-Newton, from Wollaston, Northamptonshire, has been selected on the British team for her second Paralympics.

The trainee teacher has had a "crazy" three years, juggling international competitions with her studies.

"Two weeks ago, I finished my degree and handed in my dissertation, so all the focus is now on swimming," the 21-year-old said.

"Without that village of support that you have, some athletes wouldn't be where they are today and I know I certainly wouldn't be," she said

"It has been crazy the past three years, balancing university work with swimming," she said.

"There's 100 days to go, so hopefully when I get there I will swim the best I can."

The European, World and Commonwealth champion said it was "really exciting" that she has been named part of the 26-strong squad for Paris.

"But I don't want to put too much pressure on myself, so the main goal for me is to go out there, enjoy it with my friends and team and swim as fast as I possibly can," she added.

Summers-Newton, who was made an MBE by the Princess Royal for services to swimming in 2022, also paid tribute to her "village of support".

She said: "I've got a massive support group at home - mum, two sisters and my granddad - who has been there throughout the whole journey and was taking me training at four in the morning."