Blind twins prepare to represent GB at Paralympics

Northampton swimmers Eliza and Scarlett Humphrey have been selected for the Paralympics

Blind twin sisters chosen to compete at the Paralympic Games in Paris say they want to inspire other people with the same disability to take up the sport.

Scarlett and Eliza Humphrey from Northampton have been blind since birth.

The 19-year-olds are representing ParalympicsGB in the S11 class category – for blind or nearly blind swimmers - and compete in blacked-out goggles so it's fair to all competitors.

"Swimming gives us a sense of freedom," said Scarlett.

The sisters made history in June 2022 by becoming the first twins to compete for GB at the World Para Swimming Championships in Madeira.

They train for more than 20 hours a week and their parents take them to the pool first thing in the morning - and in the evenings.

Mother Sharon Dyke supports her children beside the swimming pool

Scarlett added: "I am not limited; I have lane ropes to keep me in the lane and control over what I am doing.

"We have tappers who tap us on the head or shoulders to let us know when we have to turn at the end of a length."

The twins first started swimming as young children at their local swimming club.

"We are very close," says Eliza.

"We made our competitive debuts together. We are now going to the Paralympics together. We use each other as motivation and are very competitive.

"We know how hard each other is working and we race against each other. The rivalry is always there but we are friends too and have a lot in common."

Scarlett and Eliza Humphrey have six pool training sessions per week

"I am very proud of them both," said their mother Sharon Dyke.

"They started off in a traditional learn-to-swim programme and have made rapid progress in the last few years.

"They have been blind since birth, but swimming is an inclusive sport. Children learn the same way. The only difference is having a tapper.

"Watching in Paris this summer will be very exciting."

The twins are two of four swimmers from Northampton Swimming Club - which includes defending Paralympic champion, Maisie Summers-Newton

The girls are two of four swimmers from Northampton Swimming Club included in the ParalympicsGB squad, which includes defending Paralympic champion, Maisie Summers-Newton and Bruce Dee.

"We never dreamed of the Paralympics, it was never on our radar. It’s so special," admitted Scarlett.

"I always wanted to do this," said Eliza.

"I want to enjoy it. We want to raise awareness and if we can get another person swimming in the pool with our disability that would be great."