A champion swimmer has shared her journey to gold medal glory after heading to the Olympics in Paris to support Team GB.
Dundee-born Taylor Mackenzie is among Special Olympics athletes from across the country taking part in a campaign to inspire this year’s competitors.
At just 16, Taylor is no stranger to success.
She was selected for her first Special Olympics at nine years old and came home with three gold medals and a bronze.
Last year she was one of Team GB’s youngest competitors, winning two gold medals in Berlin.
She said: “Achieving the success I had in Berlin, obviously, it was months after months of training. Two hours sessions, four times a week after school. Non-stop training.
“These distances weren’t what I was used to, but I had to overcome that boundary and try to break that wall and believe that I could do it.”
Diagnosed with autism and an intellectual disability, Taylor found solace in the water. She says swimming has made her the person she is today.
STV News“I knew I had a goal and that was obviously to win my race. But I think getting to meet people from all over the world, making long lasting friendships and even getting a chance to be in the pool and witness the opening ceremony and being a part of a team – it was truly special to me.”
The Dundonian is one of several Olympians taking part in a new Coca-Cola campaign hoping to inspire British athletes competing in this Olympics and encourage them to enjoy the moment.
She said: “I’ve loved the relays; they always get my adrenaline going because I always picture myself in them.
“I love a good team relay and you’re all there supporting each other and cheering each other on.
“I think with Team GB it’s been a great Olympics; I’ve loved watching the swimming as well as other sports as well.”
Taylor has travelled to Paris to meet fellow athletes and share messages of support and good luck to those competing in the Olympics.
She added: “All their training has been for that moment, they’re all fantastic athletes in whatever sport they are doing so I want to be supportive and spread excitement to them.”
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