TAVISTOCK'S medal tally from the Beijing Games rose to three this week when Kelly College squad members Louise Watkin and Claire Cashmore won a silver and bronze respectively in the Paralympics swimming events.
Louise, 16, took silver in the 100 metres freestyle in her first games and Claire, 20, won the bronze medal in the 100 metre breaststroke, following up her two bronze medals in Athens, four years ago. Both girls set new British records in the heats.
Fellow Kelly pupil Lauren Steadman, 15, finished fourth in her heat in the 100 metres freestyle, missing out on a place in the final.
All girls, who are in the S9 category and have each been born without a hand, are coached by Robin Brew from Bere Alston, who is in Beijing as one of the Paralympic swimming coaches.
Louise is due to compete in four other swimming events this week and Claire will be attempting to get on the podium in the 200 metres individual medley and 100 metre backstroke. All three will be competing against each other in the individual medley.
'I am really over the moon,' Louise said after winning her medal. 'I had no idea what to think coming into the final. I just wanted to take it as I came. My ultimate goal was to get one medal here and I have already done that now which is great.'
Claire said to win a medal was amazing but she was a little disappointed not to go one better than the World Championships.
Headteacher of Kelly College Dr Graham Hawley said: 'Kelly is a small school and it is a huge achievement to have three of our girls competing in Beijing. The whole Kelly community is delighted with the performances of all the girls, and we are thrilled with the medals that Louise and Claire have won. We shall all be cheering them on as they strive for further success in their forthcoming races.
'I would like to congratulate all those who have contributed to the girls' success.'