Paralympian swimmer Alice Tai ban ‘morally indefensible’

NEW MILTON Paralympic swimmer Alice Tai has been left furious after being banned from competing in an able-bodied county final because of her disability.

Alice, 19, had qualifying times for the Middlesex Championships but was shockingly informed by officials that although she was amongst the fastest swimmers in the 50m and 100m backstroke heats, she would not be able to take her place in the two finals due to the fact that she is categorised as a Para-swimmer.

Alice, who has a club foot and is unable to move her ankles, is the current world record holder for the 100m backstroke in her disabled classification of S8.

Despite her disability, she was easily fast enough to race in the Middlesex finals but according to national regulations, para-athletes can swim in heats but have to be entered separately from non-disabled swimmers in finals.

Alice, who is studying music at the University of West London, was understandably angered and frustrated by her ban. She took to Twitter and said: “I’m competing at counties and I’ve been told that, even though my times qualify me, I can’t swim any finals because I’m a Para-swimmer.

“I’m not allowed to swim finals because I’m not able-bodied.

“I only want the opportunity to race swimmers of similar speed to me… So mad.“

The Paralympic gold medallist’s comments were retweeted by many fellow athletes and coaches. Graham Wardell, Cardiff City swimming coach, added to the debate when he tweeted: “Surely disability discrimination is morally indefensible? If you have the “able-bodied” entry qualification time, then you should be allowed to swim the final!!

“Disgraceful way to carry on, sounds like the meet is swum to satisfy rules and not in the best interest of the athletes.”

Reactions to Alice’s Twitter comments have subsequently led Swim England, the sport’s governing body, to review their rules.

Alice has since added: “I want to let you all know that as a result of this tweet and everyone’s reactions, the rules around this (nationally) are now being looked into.

“I also want to thank Middlesex county as they’ve already got the ball rolling in sorting this issue for future events.”