NATALIE Jones was ‘absolutely delighted’ to claim a Paralympic bronze last night – and said it was even more special to share her moment with Ellie Simmonds.
Simmonds claimed her second gold of London 2012 when she won the SM6 200 metres individual medley and broke her own world record in the process for the second time in a day.
The race was also an extra special moment for Chorley’s Jones, who took bronze in 3mins 14.29secs – but all eyes were on Simmonds.
As with her heat swim this morning, the 17-year-old produced a blistering freestyle leg to go past Oksana Kruhl as if she was treading water to win in three minutes 5.39 seconds, dipping 0.75secs inside the mark she had set this morning.
The Swansea-based swimmer had been shocked by her earlier performance today and on seeing the scoreboard tonight, she had a beaming smile on her face.
It was her second title of the week after her success in the S6 400m freestyle, also in a world record time.
A delighted Jones grinned: “It’s absolutely amazing, I can’t believe it.
“I have worked so hard over the past three months and I know it’s not a personal best but it is a medal – and I am absolutely delighted.
“It’s amazing to share this moment with Ellie, I am made up for her.
“We have been through this together over the past three years but it is amazing to both be on the podium.”
Jones is the second medalist in the household after her husband Rik Waddon claimed a silver in cycling yesterday.
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