Fostering Inclusion
No two athlete’s journeys look the same. Whatever happens along each of these journeys, one thing is for sure, dedication, commitment, passion and countless hours of training are key ingredients to their success. Still, some face more obstacles than others, which makes their stories that much sweeter.
For young DHH (Deaf and Hard of Hearing) athletes like Imogen Nolan, their path is typically more challenging because they face obstacles that hearing athletes don’t. This Is part of the reason Deaf Children Australia provides Youth Grants to DHH children, so they have more support in reaching their goals.
Imogen Nolan is a 16-year-old deaf swimmer who showcased her fierce resilience and spirit in her journey to the 6th World Deaf Swimming Championships in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Deaf Children Australia played a small part in helping her get to the World Games with a Youth Grant. Here’s a little more about her inspiring story and what she accomplished.
From School to the World Deaf Swimming Championships Pool
As a competitive swimmer, Imogen was contacted by Deaf Swimming Australia (DSA) to represent Australia at the World Games. She had achieved qualifying times that would enable her to compete.
Training as a competitive swimmer is never easy. But what does it take for a school student to prepare for the world championships? Imogen Nolan recently represented Australia at the 6th World Deaf Swimming Championships in Buenos Aires, Argentina in late 2023. She was a proud member of the Australian Seals Deaf Swim Team. Her experience at the Championships was not just a testament to her prowess in the water but also a reflection of the power of commitment and dedication.
Like, the discipline required to wake up at 3:40 am for training before school, and then complete the full day of school, and training again in the afternoon, for example. And, repeating this four days a week. Now that’s commitment! Imogen said this motivation was fueled by DSA reaching out to her, as she wanted to do her absolute best at the championships.
Imogen’s dedication highlights the spirit of young DHH athletes, who, with their commitment, aim to not only perfect their skills but also serve as an inspiration for others. DHH athletes often find they’re not just competing for themselves but with a community with connection, and unwavering support.
Imogen’s Experience on the World Stage
It’s not every day you get to represent your country and community on the world stage. Imogen soaked up the event and held on to special moments with grace.
She said, “It was a privilege to represent Australia and other deaf people, especially those wanting to swim. This experience allowed me to travel overseas to Buenos Aires, Argentina and compete internationally. I got to visit and experience a different country, which gave me opportunities to try new things such as food, language and the overall culture. I feel very lucky to have had this opportunity and so grateful.”
Connecting with Deaf Peers
The Championships allowed Imogen to bond with deaf swimmers from around the globe, fostering connections that transcend borders and languages. The connection that comes with making new friends is beneficial enough in itself, but these interactions also empower young DHH individuals. It shows them they are not alone, and there’s a global community out there that understands and supports their dreams.
Imogen said she “loved every part of the experience. I had the privilege to experience an international event for the first time and I got to meet, compete and socialise with other deaf swimmers from all around the world and form friendships was awesome. I also got to bond with my own teammates, which I can see at other meets, like states and nationals!”
Facing Obstacles Head-On
Unfortunately, the Seals team doesn’t receive any external funding support, which means the families usually need to fund the careers of these athletes, which includes everything from training to flights and accommodation for competitions.
While the lack of funding and the complexities of international competition logistics posed challenges, Imogen’s story emphasises the importance of teamwork and the spirit of camaraderie. The support within the team, combined with their shared experiences, made the journey easier and more rewarding.
Building Champions Through Puggles Swim
Imogen and the rest of her Seals team showed the country exactly what is possible from our incredible community with the right resources. However, many DHH young people don’t have the same opportunities as their hearing peers, and this includes learning to swim.
Puggles Swim is our very own program aimed at reversing this lack of support. It upgrades swim instructors’ skills so they can teach DHH students to swim in mainstream classes, making swim lessons more accessible for the deaf community. Puggles Swim provides the foundation and the nurturing environment needed for young DHH athletes like Imogen to hone their skills, dream big, and pursue their passions without constraints.
Looking Ahead with Gratitude
With dreams of competing at the 25th Summer Deaflympics/ICSD in Tokyo, Japan, and aspirations for the Olympic Games, Imogen’s journey is far from over. Her story reiterates the potential of DHH youth and how with the right support, like the Youth Grants from Deaf Children Australia, they can scale heights, break barriers, and contribute immensely to community matters.
To the young DHH community out there, we hope Imogen’s journey inspires your own. And to the budding swimmers, remember, the pool of Puggles Swim is where champions are made. Dive in!
