Danielle goes for Gold!

report by Laura Richardson

Olympic hopeful, Danielle Moore, began her swimming career at the tender age of three. Now thirteen she has astonished her parents, teachers and coaches with her tremendous determination and ability. With these achievements it looks like she’ll be competing in the National Championships in Coventry later this year.

Her talents were first realised when, age four, she was able to swim without adult supervision, something that is usually only achieved by someone twice her age.

Teachers at St. Edwards College, Sandfield Park, soon realised that she was exceptional and encouraged Danielle further. It wasn’t long before she joined the successful Everton Swimming Association, coached by Angela Hyland.

Since then Danielle has notched up successes: in 1999 she not only won the breaststroke in the Tadpole League (under 13s) but she broke the club record. She came second in the National Bazooka Championships and recently broke the Liverpool breaststroke record by over three seconds, competing mainly against 14 year-olds.

Coach Angela Hyland said of Danielle, “She is modest, very hardworking and committed.”

But could her success have been hereditary? Danielle’s grandmother swam the Mersey for charity in the 1930s. It has been Gran’s inspiration that has driven Danielle since.

Now at St Edmund Arrowsmith school, Danielle achieves good grades in her school work as she continues to improve her swimming times so she can realise her ambition: to represent Great Britain in the Olympics.

Watch out for Danielle in 2008 or even 2004!