Phoebe’s Swimming Journey
- 2 days ago
- 5 min read
Updated: 1 day ago
Phoebe was diagnosed at birth with Symbrachydactyly — a limb difference where her right hand did not fully form during pregnancy. There is no known cause and it affects approximately 1 in 32,000 people. Her story is not defined by limitation. It is about belonging, opportunity and what can happen when a pathway is built to include rather than exclude.
Finding Confidence
Phoebe’s start in swimming was unsettled. She began in Year R and initially found the environment overwhelming. Progress came later during lessons with Gil Bamberger, a swim teacher also connected to the Bluefins Sharks Squad, where she began to feel more comfortable in the water and gradually more capable.
At age eight she met Lauren Steadman at a gold medal ceremony and spoke at length about her ambition to become a Paralympic swimmer. Lauren kindly gifted Phoebe her Tokyo 2020 race suit and shirt, which became a lasting reminder that her ambitions were not unrealistic.
Soon after, Phoebe joined the Bluefins Sharks Squad, led by Tony Bamberger, Head of Disability, and his dedicated team of supportive coaches.
The Moment She Was Spotted
Phoebe’s progression into the mainstream pathway began during a shared Sunday evening session when Skills Academy Squad 3 trained alongside the Sharks Disability Squad.
From across the pool, Spencer Turner, Head of Swimming at Basingstoke Bluefins, noticed her composure and awareness in the water.
After the session, Spencer spoke with Tony to better understand Phoebe’s limb difference and to explore whether a trial within the mainstream pathway would be appropriate.
The following week she attended Skills Academy Squad 3 and settled in quickly, looking comfortable rather than out of place.
Transition Into the Mainstream Pathway
Moving into Skills Academy felt daunting at first. Phoebe was anxious about swimming alongside able-bodied swimmers and the step required quiet courage.
There were new skills to learn and different expectations to meet. With small technical adjustments she remained aligned with the session objectives and, week by week, became more assured. She began contributing ideas herself and worked collaboratively with coaches to refine her approach within the group.
It did not take long to see one clear strength. Phoebe’s leg kick is exceptional.
For a long time she was reluctant to dive. One evening Spencer and Ruby, one of our junior volunteers, arrived early and ran a small dive session with a limited group of swimmers. In that calmer setting she had the space to try repeatedly without feeling exposed and the hesitation gradually faded.
Understanding Exemptions
Before beginning formal para classification, Phoebe applied for competition exemptions.
A simple email to Ali, Bluefins Administrator, led to a straightforward two to three page exemption form completed with coach support. Phoebe was awarded a Certificate of Exemption, which removed unnecessary pressure to perform movements in exactly the same way as other swimmers.
Her exemptions allow a slight wobble on the starting blocks and one-handed turns and finishes on butterfly and breaststroke, provided there is clear intent. This protected her technique and removed the need to twist through her back to attempt simultaneous touches.
At meets she presents her certificate to officials and has consistently been met with understanding and professionalism.
Exemptions are designed to ensure fairness within mainstream competition. They allow swimmers to be judged on performance and intent rather than physical symmetry.
Exposure to High Performance
Phoebe attended an AP Race clinic at the club and left energised by the experience. Watching elite athletes up close reinforced that ambition in swimming is not reserved for a select few.
Beginning the Para Classification Journey
After a year of consistent training and clear commitment, the family began exploring para classification.
At a para development day Phoebe met swimmers with a range of disabilities and specialists from Swim England. Following a short safety assessment she was signed off to proceed to formal classification.
The paperwork initially felt daunting, but the process was clear and supportive. From submission to classification took approximately six months.
During the waiting period Phoebe competed at a Para Regional Meet in Reading, gaining experience and forming friendships within the para swimming community. She also returned to Reading to compete at their mainstream sprint meet alongside her squad, continuing to balance para and integrated competition.
Classification Weekend – February 2026
Over the first weekend of February 2026, Phoebe attended her official classification weekend.
Saturday involved a one-to-one physical assessment and discussion around her training load, after which the likely classification became clear. On Sunday she completed two specific race swims to confirm the decision, leaving the pool with certainty about her status.
Phoebe is now classified as S10 / SB9 / SM10.
In para swimming, “S” classifications apply to freestyle, backstroke and butterfly, “SB” applies to breaststroke and “SM” applies to individual medley. The number reflects functional ability within that stroke category.
The Swim England team updated her membership directly and, aside from standard meet entry fees, there were no additional costs associated with the process.
She is now eligible to compete in para-specific meets, mixed meets and able-bodied competitions.
Small Adjustments, Significant Impact
Phoebe requires very few adaptations in training. Occasionally it is a brief technical cue or a different piece of equipment that helps her execute a skill more effectively.
There has been only one negative experience during a Year 6 school swimming lesson. She responded in the most direct way possible by proving her capability in the pool.
She sometimes struggles with poolside confidence. Being petite and having a visible limb difference can make progress feel slower when compared with peers. When coaches recognise this, timely reinforcement helps restore perspective.
In 2025 she entered a number of mainstream competitions including the Bluefins Development Meets, Summer Sizzler, Club Championships and the Last Chance Meet, gaining experience with each race.
When she achieved a breakthrough 800m freestyle swim there were emotional moments on poolside, but her focus was immediate. She simply wanted to know when she could race it again.
Progressing Through the Competitive Pathway
Phoebe’s development has continued steadily.
In Spring 2025 she joined the Competitive Development squad and by the Autumn moved into the County Development squad, where she has settled in alongside her teammates and embraced the higher training demands.
What’s Next for Phoebe?
With classification confirmed and broader competition opportunities available, Phoebe has expanded her meet calendar.
Her aim this year is to race the 800m freestyle again at the Bluefins Club Championships and to take on the challenge of the 400IM. The 2027 Hampshire Championships are firmly in her sights.
Contribution and Character
As a Junior Volunteer, Phoebe enjoys supporting younger swimmers at Sharks sessions and hopes in time to complete her Poolside Helper and Young Coach qualifications.
Her journey reflects thoughtful coaching, clear structures and a pathway that adapts without lowering standards. She continues to learn, to improve and to ask what comes next.
💙 Discover Bluefins
At Bluefins, we’re proud to celebrate every swimmer’s pathway, from the youngest in our Skills Academy to our performance squads chasing big goals. Come and see what makes our club special: exceptional quality coaching, community spirit, pathways of progression and performance success stories. Contact our amazing Ali to discuss pathways and arrange a trial at bbfsc.org - Your journey starts here.
