Published: August 29, 2012
Highbridge swimmer aims to make a splash at London Paralympics

Burnham and Highbridge's Mayor has wished town swimmer Anthony Stephens good luck as he makes final preparations to take part in the Paralympics in London.

Anthony, 26, is hoping he can improve on the bronze medal he won at the 2008 Paralympics - one of five medals he has won overall in Athens and Beijing.

The Highbridge swimmer will be in action on August 30th, September 1st, 6th, 7th and 8th in the 50m, 100m, 200m free, 50 backstroke, and the 50m fly.

Town Mayor Ken Smout told Burnham-On-Sea.com: "I'm delighted that Anthony will be representing Burnham and Highbridge at the Paralympics and we wish him all the best. I and many local people will be watching his progress with a great deal of interest."

Anthony was born with no legs and just one fully developed arm, but has never let this get in his way, and has been swimming from the age of three and breaking records since he was 10.

He went to school at Highbridge's King Alfred School and still has many friends and relatives in the Burnham-On-Sea area.

Mother Helen told Burnham-On-Sea.com this week: "We're all so proud of Anthony and the excitement is really building now. We'll be going up to cheer him on and have fingers crossed that he does well."

Anthony took part in the Paralympics in Beijing in 2008 where he won a bronze medal in the 200m Freestyle. He was also sixth in the 50m Freestyle and fourth in the 100m Freestyle.

In the 2004 Paralymics in Athens he won a bronze medal in the 50m Freestyle, a bronze in the 100m Freestyle and a silver in the 200m Freestyle.

At this year's British Championships in London, he won a bronze medal in the 50m Backstroke and hopes are high of more success.