Abby Kane claimed a silver medal at the age of just 13 in the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games
Stirling Paralympic star Abby Kane has already witnessed the value of swimming on changing lives – and now she is aiming to spread that passion by helping train people in life-saving water skills.
The now 22-year-old was the youngest member of Team GB back in 2016 at the Rio Paralympics when she took part in the S13 100 metres backstroke event for athletes with a visual impairment.
She came back from Brazil with a life-changing silver medal and continues to train at the highest level at Stirling University as part of its high-performance programme.
However, alongside balancing her studies and training in the pool, she has thrown her support behind the ‘Learn to Swim’ initiative run by Scottish Swimming and Scottish Water – providing an inclusive environment for all ages and abilities to get in the pool.
Abby has Stargardt disease, a rare genetic eye condition that causes progressive central vision loss, and her journey is a perfect example of the programme’s impact, as her determination helped her overcome personal challenges to reach the highest levels in the sport.
She said: “Swimming has always been a part of my life. It wasn’t just about sport; it was a life skill.
“I remember a trip to Australia when I was young and not being able to join in because I couldn’t swim. It was that moment I realised how important swimming was, not just for fun, but to be involved.”
Her early involvement in swimming and living a healthy lifestyle also helped Abby manage the ongoing impact of a lung condition called Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia and giving her the golden chance to compete and perform at the global level.
The experiences of her career and enjoyment of swimming have prompted Abby to take on the challenge of being a swim teacher, something which she labels as hugely rewarding.
“Being a swim teacher is one of the most rewarding jobs I’ve ever had”, she continues.
“One of the most memorable moments for me was working with a young girl who had autism.
“Her mother sat by the pool to support her and I just wanted her to feel comfortable. Seeing her go from nervous to confident in the water was a real triumph. It’s moments like these that make teaching so special.”
Abby’s passion for teaching is not just about swimming technique: “It’s about developing confidence, building trust and ensuring every child feels safe.
“There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing a child’s face light up when they master something new.
“I’ve learned so much about patience, communication and how to break things down into simpler steps. It’s definitely made me more confident in myself.
“We live in Scotland, surrounded by lochs, lakes and rivers, so swimming is an essential skill.
“Learning to swim can prevent drownings and it allows you to feel confident in and around water. It’s a life skill everyone should have.”
Peter Farrer, Scottish Water’s Chief Operating Officer, added: “Swim teachers like Abby – and all the other enthusiastic and dedicated Learn to Swim teachers across Scotland – are at the heart of the Learn to Swim programme, helping children and adults of all ages and abilities to learn to swim in a safe way to grow their skills, build confidence, and inspire them take on challenges both in and out of the water.
“Becoming a swim teacher is an amazing opportunity for people to make a difference and be part of creating a meaningful legacy for Scotland, helping people of all ages learn to swim and to be safer in and around water.”
John Lunn, CEO of Scottish Swimming, said: “Abby’s story is a testament to the inclusivity and far-reaching benefits of the Learn to Swim programme.
“Our vision is not just about teaching an essential life skill but also about building confidence and promoting lifelong health benefits. We are proud to have Abby inspiring others to take the plunge and discover the joys of swimming.”
