A Derry mum has spoken of her pride as her daughter, who has Down Syndrome, completed her first triathlon over the weekend.
Jill McCallion, 30, had trained with Inclusively Fit, a fitness programme for those with learning disabilities and additional needs, since 2019 and took the challenge of a triathlon in her stride.
Jill's mum Sandra McDermott and personal trainer Sinead Lynch told MyDerry of the pride they felt for Jill during the challenge. "I was absolutely enormously proud, I know personally how much effort goes into a triathlon so to see Jill doing it and completing it with a smile on her face was absolutely incredible. That morning, Sinead and I were sick with nerves," she said.
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"Jill was cool as a cucumber and did what she had to do. There was huge amount of support from everyone, the spectators and competitors which was lovely too. She really was the star of the day and it was so inspiring to see."
There has been a huge amount of social media support for Jill since the triathlon. Sandra hopes that seeing Jill complete the challenge can inspire others.
She said: "On social media there were so many people commenting, some I don’t know, some I recognise the names of all congratulating Jill. I think it is great because it has opened people’s eyes. One thing we are very passionate about is to not look at someone and decide what they can and cannot do by their appearance.
"If what Jill has done as someone with Downs Syndrome can inspire another person with additional needs to do something similar it would just be amazing. The support has been incredible, people have definitely been inspired.
"I don’t think without Inclusively Fit this would have happened. What they do for people with learning disabilities is really important."
Personal trainer Sinead said: "Jill throughout the training was brilliant, she did everything she was asked to do even though I could see cycling was her least favourite. She was so committed and never missed a training session and did it all with a smile on her face.
"The day itself was amazing, I couldn't stop crying. To see Jill complete the whole thing and cross the finish line was just amazing.
"I know she has put the training in. I have been a personal trainer for over 20 years and it had to be my proudest feeling watching that. Nothing has come close."
Jill was not at all phased by the challenge of the Danny Quigley Fund triathlon. She was back in the gym this week after just one days rest.
Jill said: "I was fine, I was not nervous at all. I am so happy that I did it. I was a bit tired after it but I’m OK now and I am glad to be back at the gym."
For Jill, her sights are now set on learning to ride a bike independently, after using a static bike for her first triathlon. It is clear that this is just the beginning of Jill's journey.
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