What An Achievement! Australian Swimmer With Down Syndrome Smashes 200m Freestyle World Record

Nothing is impossible when you believe in yourself! Australian swimmer Tahnee Afuhaamango, who suffers with down syndrome, has broken the 200m freestyle world record by more than six seconds.

The 38-year-old was competing in Darwin Swimming Club when she achieved the incredible feat. However, it wasn¡¯t until later that day that she realised that she had clocked a time of 3:38:72.

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Credit: Donna Rousham

Despite the record breaking achievement, it was Tahnee¡¯s mother, Donna Rousham, who realised the significance of the swim. She had gone on to smash the Down Syndrome Masters World Record for swimmers over 35 by 6.64 seconds.

Donna scrabbled to fill the paperwork and subsequently applied for the record to be officially recognised, with officials (who witnessed the race) at the NT Long Course Qualifier signing off on the paperwork.

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Credit: Donna Rousham

The paperwork had to be passed by Australian authorities before the record could be assessed by the international authority in England.

And just over five weeks later the email has finally arrived to confirm Afuhaamango's record.

If you think this was down to just luck, then think again! You don't just beat a world record simply because you happen to be fortunate one good day, rather it takes character and a lot of effort to achieve something so remarkable.

For Tahnee Afuhaamango, this is a moment to cherish. Her hard work has paid rich dividends and she can be absolutely proud of her accomplishment.

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