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A Gibbston teenager with a rare health disorder made a splash in her first ever swimming races this week.
Sophie Newbold (left), 17 – just the 12th person in the world born with the genetic condition, CFC (cardiofaciocutaneous) Syndrome – swam at the Special Olympics aquatic day in Invercargill on Monday.
Sophie came first in the 40m backstroke, 20m freestyle and 20m backstroke. The brave youngster also took third in the 40m freestyle, after having only swum for three months.
“She’s taken to it like a fish to water,” mother Bridget says.
Sisters Charlotte, 20, and Francis, 18, are top former ski racers who also achieved in the pool under renowned Dunedin coach, the late Duncan Laing.
“Sophie’s always been the mascot but now she’s the fish,” Bridget says
Sophie’s condition affects her heart, facial features and skin – and has also stunted her growth.
Competing in a swim race has been one of her five wishes in life.
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