Swimmer wins gold, silver and bronze at competition

Swimmer Josh Harper recently competed at the provincial Special Olympics, held in Mount Pearl from July 9 to 11. He returned home to Stephenville with five medals.

He won gold in the 25 m breast and 100m back stroke, silver in the 50m back, and bronze in the 25 m butterfly and 50m freestyle.

Coach Josh was Stephenville's Mason Jeddore, a Special Olympics coach, swimming instructor and long-time competitive swimmer with the Aqua Aces swim team.

"Josh's swimming was awesome and he swam a lot of personal best times," said Mason. "He had a great time and his family and friends are very proud of him. He was delighted to receive his well deserved medals."

Josh and Mason have shared a love of swimming from a very early age. Mason has been swimming competitively since the age of five. Josh has enjoyed swimming at the pool in Stephenville for many years and began swimming competitively last year at the Newfoundland and Labrador Summer Games, where he won two goal medals.

Mason noted Josh has good swimming techniques and is a very strong swimmer. The two swimming buddies are often at the pool together and enjoy swimming outdoors at Black Bank or Lion's Pool during the summer months.