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Anna's now a blade maid

Stacy Thomas

Tuesday 20 May, 2008 12:01am

ROWING is a recent addition to Anna McNamara's training regime.

She's only been at it a year but she's determined to make the Paralympic team for 2012.

The Annangrove teen has been swimming since she was one. It was her buoyancy in the water that continued her training and hydrotherapy.

Anna, now 15, was born with arthrogryposis which is a connective tissue condition. Since she can remember, she has never let her condition get in the way. She has always been active in sport.

"I think I've given most sports a go at some stage," she said. "But swimming and rowing are what I'm best at."

For the past five months her sporting career has been put on hold, due to two knee operations. Her knee was dislocated during sport, so doctors operated. Less than a month ago, McNamara had the second operation to rectify the problem.

"I can't wait to get back in the water with training. I'm off to the doctors for an update and should know in about a month the verdict of the operation."

McNamara's dream is to compete in the 2012 London Paralympic Games.

"I'll be the right age and will have finished high school, so I'll be able to focus all my time on training," she said.

Her favourite stroke in swimming is butterfly. She holds the record for the 100m 50m butterfly in her class for under 12 and under 14 respectively.

Her mum Maryanne said swimming was great for her condition.

McNamara was one of 100 athletes who received a share of $50,000 through the 2008 Telstra Developing Athletes Grant Scheme.

The funding was given to athletes identified as having the potential to represent Australia at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, Vancouver 2010 Paralympic Winter Games or the London 2012 Paralympic Games.