The miracle swimmer for whom breathing appeared optional
by Rob Smith
The first time I saw Rosanna Ogden swim, I felt the beginnings of panic in my gut.
"Why isn't she coming up for air?" I thought, as she swam for what felt like an eternity beneath the surface. I kept asking myself: "Is she ok?"
A quick glance around the swimming pool in Bolton revealed I was the only person with any concern, because everyone else knew precisely what the talented 2-year-old was capable of.
Rosanna's talent was revealed after heart surgery as a baby. Doctors removed a tumour from her chest, and advised her parents to use swimming as part of the post-op recovery.
The youngster was soon covering distances which swimming coaches could not believe for a child of her age. Charity sponsorship poured in, and she raised thousands of pounds for the British Heart Foundation.
You can see the first time ITV viewers were introduced to Rosanna below:
Two years on, and Rosanna has become one of the youngest children in the country to swim 400 metres.
As an achievement for a 4-year-old, it's remarkable. As an achievement for a child who almost lost her life to a heat tumour, it's astounding.
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