Northampton para-swimmer can't wait for Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games after event inclusion

A para-swimmer from Northampton is relishing the prospect of competing in the 2022 Commonwealth Games as her event will be included for the first time.

Maisie Summers-Newton will be representing Team England at the championships in Birmingham after her SB6 classification made the list announced last week.

"For my event to be included in the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games is an incredible feeling - to represent Team England and to race at a Commonwealth Games will be amazing," she said.

"It is also another big step in the Paralympic movement so it’s a very good opportunity."

At just 18 years old, Summers-Newton has already won European and world titles as well as setting multiple world records at high profile para-swimming events.

The 2022 Commonwealth Games will have the largest para-sport competition in its history following the medal event programme announcement on October 21.

Summers-Newton's class of SB6 stands for breaststroke with six representing the level of physical impairment between one and 10 - the lower the number, the more severe the impairment.

Birmingham 2022 will also be the first major multi-sport event to award more medals to women than men and the Northampton Swimming Club alumna cannot wait.

"Obviously this year has been so tough with lockdown and Covid and everything being closed," she said.

"With no real idea of what is going to happen in the future, but for the medal events to be announced it just makes it all seem real and something to look forward to."

Having competed in the World Championships on home soil in London last year, Birmingham 2022 will give Summers-Newton another chance to feel the support of a passionate partisan crowd.

"The World Championships had such a great home atmosphere and everyone was willing us along;" she said.

"Hopefully, it will be like that again in Birmingham and just to race with my family and friends watching me and the whole country will be an incredible feeling.

"Competing for Team England will be a very special moment, when I compete for Great Britain I am so proud to represent my country and make everyone else proud but I think just representing England is something a little bit special.

"It will be my first time and hopefully it is just something to really look forward to."