Two golds for athlete at World Down Syndrome games

An athlete who went to the Down Syndrome World Championships came home with two gold medals.

Serena Bennett, 29, from Worcester, won gold in both the 1500m and 3000m race-walks, breaking a world record in the 3000m after completing seven-and-a-half laps in 24:14.35.

She was one of several athletes who represented Great Britain at the event in Bulgaria, which took place from 13 to 19 June.

Speaking about competing as a part of a team with other people with Down's syndrome, Serena said she was really happy and had a lot of fun.

The competitor trains four times a week with her father, Rob Bennett, who also acts as her coach.

Seeing his daughter finish in first place during the race-walks was a wonderful moment, he said.

"It was a very emotional moment, she was wrapped around with the Union Jack," he said.

"And then she stood on the podium with the other medalists and then the national anthem came on."

He added: "Her right hand was over her heart and she started to well up and I must admit... it got me going as well."

Rob said Serena had previously walked those times she had achieved in the races, during her training.

"Although she broke the world record, hopefully next year there's a European Championship she will smash those times again," he added.

Serena's mum, Anna, also traveled to Bulgaria to support her daughter.

"It was such an amazing experience," she said.

"It wasn't a holiday, we were absolutely shattered, we were on the go all the time catching early coaches to the stadium and staying in a very hot stadium and trying to keep cool basically.

"It was just wonderful, really really good experience and I enjoyed every minute."

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