Roxon garners provincial swimming award

Katarina Roxon's world-class ability as a swimmer with a disability hasn't gone unnoticed by Swim Newfoundland and Labrador.

Ms. Roxon, the SWAD sensation who is a member of the Island Wahoos Swim Club, has been named the 2009 Speedo Outstanding Female Swimmer of the Year for this province.

Peggy Earle, president of the Island Wahoos Swim Club, said Ms. Roxon is proof that Newfoundland and Labrador can produce world-class swimmers.

"I believe that Katarina's nature as a person, her positive influence on those around her, her willingness to learn and work hard combined with her achievements were instrumental in being awarded the Speedo Outstanding Female Swimmer of the Year," Ms. Earle said.

This year's win marks the third time in the past four years Ms. Roxon has won the award, which is pretty impressive considering she was chosen over thousands of able-bodied swimmers throughout Newfoundland and Labrador. It is an accomplishment not repeated by a SWAD anywhere else in Canada.

Ms. Earle said Ms. Roxon continues to be a source of inspiration to those whom she meets in swimming and in every other facet of her life.

"She has not let her congenital defect of the left below elbow amputation limit her in her curricular and extra curricular activities," Ms. Earle said. "She is a hard worker who goes the extra mile and has great work ethics and a steely determination.

"She is a fun child who exudes this to those around her. Her positive outlook on life complements her attitude, that it is possible to achieve anything in life if one has a dream, is determined and disciplined. Her courteous, generous and loving nature with people of all age groups and socio-economic backgrounds is a strong foundation for the enduring friendships she continues to keep building with people from Canada and various other countries."

She is also very encouraging to other swimmers even when they are her competitors, said Ms. Earle.

"This is an admirable trait that is seen in true champions," she said. "Her humility in the face of such achievements and courage in defeat has endeared her to other swimmers across the province and the country. The level of respect she accords to her peers and especially her elders and coaches truly sets her apart."

In December 2007 and again in February 2008, Ms. Roxon set World short course records in the 200-m butterfly, which were not ratified due to technical submission errors. She continued to break Senior SWAD National Short Course Records in the 200-m breaststroke and 100-m breaststroke. She holds all the provincial long and short course records for her SWAD category.

Her focus right now is on improving her technical skills and representing Newfoundland & Labrador and Canada at the following meets: Can-Am International Swimming Championship Series and World Short Course Swimming Championships.