When Inclusive Learning student Amalia Freeland steps into the pool, something magical happens. The Lambeth College student, who is part of South Bank Colleges’ Inclusive Learning programme, is also a medal-winning member of the Great Britain Down Syndrome Swimming team – and one of the sport’s rising stars.

Amalia’s love for swimming began when she was just three years old.

“From the moment I got in the water, I loved it,” she said during her interview. “Swimming makes me so happy. I feel calm, free, and strong. I’ve made so many friends through it too.”

That joy has powered her through to the highest levels of competition. At the 2024 World Down Syndrome Swimming Championships in Antalya, Turkey, Amalia helped Team GB retain their title as top team in the world, contributing an incredible four medals to the squad’s success — one silver and three bronze.

Her achievements include:

• 🥈 Silver – 200m Individual Medley'.

• 🥉 Bronze – 50m Butterfly'.

• 🥉 Bronze – 100m Butterfly'.

• 🥉 Bronze – 100m Freestyle'.

Amalia also swam in several record-breaking relay teams, including the Mixed 4x100m Freestyle and Mixed 4x100m Medley, which set new world and European records respectively.

When asked about that experience, Amalia smiled and said:

“It was amazing! Everyone was cheering for me. My family and friends were shouting, ‘Go, go, go!’ – it made me so proud.”

Between competitions, Amalia trains hard with her club, Leander SC, balancing her swimming commitments with college life at Lambeth. She studies English and Maths as part of her Inclusive Learning programme and enjoys creative subjects like reading and writing.

“I love Shakespeare and stories,” she said. “Maybe one day I’d like to do something in theatre or acting too.”

Amalia’s tutors describe her as a dedicated and positive student whose achievements in and out of the classroom inspire everyone around her. “She’s a wonderful example of what hard work and passion can achieve,” said Oliver Dixon, Inclusive Learning lecturer at Lambeth College.

Outside of training and studying, Amalia continues to represent Great Britain at international competitions — most recently preparing for another major tournament in Portugal — while also supporting her teammates and encouraging others to get involved in the sport she loves.

“I’d say to anyone thinking about swimming – go for it!” Amalia said. “You’ll make friends, feel amazing, and have so much fun.”

Down Syndrome Swimming Great Britain (DSS-GB) is a volunteer-led charity that supports athletes like Amalia to reach their full potential and compete at national and international level. The organisation focuses on fun, friendship, teamwork and pride in achievement, values that Amalia embodies both in the pool and in college life.

As she continues to train and study, one thing is clear – Amalia Freeland is making waves, not just in the water, but as an inspiring ambassador for inclusion, resilience, and joy.

Read more:
Down Syndrome Swimming GB – Official Site