Jana Clancy enjoys bowling, the ocean, shopping and going to the movies with her boyfriend. At 26 she has a part time job at the Noosa Surf Life Saving Club and lives at home with her parents. She would like to take up rowing – oh and she has 16 world records in swimming!
So why is it that most of us have never heard of Jana, why are we not celebrating her amazing ability in the pool – because Jana is not ‘mainstream’. Jana has Down Syndrome and is a member of the Australian squad of the Down Syndrome International Swimming Organisation (http://www.dsiso.org/). In November this year the championships were held in Portugal. The Australian team won. However there was no recognition for this outstanding achievement. These fabulous swimmers slip under the radar.
Jana has been an outstanding athlete for a number of years. She originally started swimming to increase her fitness and to help with heart problems commonly associated with Down Syndrome. Her favourite strokes are free style and backstroke. Her disability does not hinder her dedication and focus as an athlete. She trains six days a week, with increased sessions closer to competition. Her accomplishments include –
• 7 Gold medals
• 5 Silver medals
• 2 Bronze medals
• 16 World records
• Representing Queensland at the National Special Olympics in
1998,2000, 2002 and 2006 winning medals in every meet.
• Queensland Masters Swimmer of the Year in 2006
• 2002 Sunshine Coast Sports Star of the year
As you can see Jana is a true champion. And as is the case with most champions, Jana could not do what she does without the love and support of her parents Brian and Erica, her brother Sean and the local community. Brian and Erica travel with Jana to every event. This means a lot of time and energy must go into fundraising to finance travel and training expenses.
Jana is very humble about her achievements, though proud. She leads a full life despite the disadvantages of a disability. Erica stated that she would never have thought that she would be travelling the world with her disabled daughter and believes the experience has helped Jana grow in confidence and maturity. The journey for all of them has been wonderful and full of surprises. Jana has had to cope with new and confronting experiences in unfamiliar places with unfamiliar people – even talking to the international press. Jana just takes it all in her stride.
I doubt that there are many people who can boast the accomplishments that Jana can. She is a shining ambassador for people with a disability and for Australians in general. That she will continue to push herself and excel in her chosen field is indisputable. I can only wish her every success. Thanks Jana for being you.