Superhero Sundays: Mary Fisher

Eight-time world champion Mary Fisher is out to make another splash in Rio 2016 after her Paralympic debut in London 2012.

The 23-year-old swimmer from New Zealand broke the world record in the 200m individual medley S11, en route to Paralympic gold four years ago.

She shares three people whom she admires:

1. Helen Keller

“For breaking down barriers of what was perceived to be possible, bringing a level of awareness and global acceptance of disability.”

2. Whanau (family)

“My parents and brother especially. They have been my rocks since I decided to put my all into swimming, there to lean on but never pushy which has been the biggest gift. Also friends who give my life some balance and who do incredible things with their lives.”

3. Tim Prendergast, Paralympic gold medallist, 800m T13

“At 11 years old I was part of a New Zealand team selected to participate at a blind sports youth competition in Australia. I was incredibly excited, my first time out of New Zealand which was a big deal and Tim was one of our accompanying staff. [This was] the year before he’d won the 800 T13 gold [in Athens 2004]. He encouraged me to stick with sport and is still a huge role model in his current role working with youth as an athlete mentor in the UK.”