Droitwich's Rebecca Redfern wins gold at Paris Paralympics

Droitwich gained another medal in this year's Paris games after Rebecca Redfern came out on top during the Women's 100m Breaststroke SB13.

The 24-year-old finished comfortably ahead of American pair Olivia Chambers and Colleen Young in a time of one minute 16.02 seconds.

FINALLY: Rebecca when she realised she won gold. (Image: Zac Goodwin/ PA) She had a lead from about 35 metres to end her long wait for glory.

Miss Redfern, born and bred in Droitwich, had previously achieved silvers in the Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020 events, making this her first Paralympic gold. 

“To win two silvers at my first two Paralympics and now gold, it means the world,” she said.

“It feels really surreal.

"I was half expecting someone to come out of lane one and beat me.

"A gold medal is just crazy. We’ve had a hell of a journey to get here.”

Rebecca with her fellow swimmers after her win. (Image: Zac Goodwin/ PA) This is Droitwich's second medal during the Paris 2024 games after Matt Richards took silver in the 200m Freestyle final.

Droitwich had got into the competitive spirit by displaying banners in support of Miss Redfern and her brother Matthew, who are both part of Team GB's swimming team. 

Before the pair flew across the channel, they had posed for pictures by the banners.

At the time, proud father Steve Redfern said: "Thank you again for organising the banners.

"It was an incredibly proud moment taking their picture in town and getting nods and glances from those passing by.

"They are both born and raised in Droitwich and are very proud to represent the town they love.

"It’s wonderful to know they have this support."

The two siblings share a degenerative eye condition known as retinitis pigmentosa.

Miss and Mr Redfern started their swimming careers at Droitwich Dolphins, the same group that also trained Matt Richards.