A seven-year-old double amputee from Rickmansworth has overcome his fear of swimming and now has his sights set on becoming a professional footballer.
Oscar Connor, who was born without tibia bones in his legs, spent his first year in the hospital. At two years old, he had his legs amputated to be able to walk instead of using a wheelchair. Despite undergoing 12 operations, Oscar began one-to-one swimming lessons at William Penn Leisure Centre last October. Initially afraid of the water, he now uses swimming to manage his pain and build strength.
“Oscar has always wanted to learn how to swim, but at first he was extremely nervous about entering the water,” said his mother, Kayleigh Watson. “Despite his young age, he was determined to overcome his fear and instead let the excitement of learning to swim drive him, which is ultimately how he conquered his nervousness. Oscar now uses swimming to manage his pain whilst building his body strength bit by bit. Swimming helps to ease both the discomfort he gets from using prosthetics and the pain he feels due to hip dysplasia.”
Oscar’s swim instructors were praised for their supportive approach. “Oscar’s swim teachers have been truly amazing. They are kind and understanding about his limitations and have always encouraged him, which really shows as he is now so confident in the water,” Kayleigh said. “Swimming is such an important life skill, and I am so grateful to the teachers at William Penn for enabling Oscar to learn how to swim. We went to Cyprus during the summer holidays and Oscar was amazing in the swimming pool and the ocean. We created some core family memories – something that wouldn’t have been possible if Oscar couldn’t swim.”
Oscar’s new confidence is also helping him pursue his dream of becoming a professional footballer. “Oscar has become so good at swimming which has really helped him understand he can do anything! He is now tackling new sports like football and gymnastics, and dreams of becoming a footballer one day. He is a little superstar, and I am so proud of him. As a family, we’re excited to continue our family swim sessions as we support him in achieving his footballer dreams.”
Ellie-Ann Booth, Contract Swim Manager for Everyone Active across Three Rivers, said: “Seeing Oscar overcome his swimming fears whilst he has been with us has been nothing short of amazing. He is such a determined, inspirational young man and has proven that anyone, no matter their age, background or ability, can learn to swim with the help of supportive and patient teachers. Oscar is a shining example of how learning to swim can be truly life-changing. Swimming is not only a lifesaving skill, but it can enable increased confidence, fun with friends in the water and, ultimately, improved mental and physical wellbeing.”
William Penn Leisure Centre, where Oscar takes lessons, is managed by Everyone Active in partnership with Three Rivers District Council. The leisure operator was recently awarded Swim England’s Learn to Swim Accreditation for the tenth year in a row, recognizing the high standards of its swimming lesson program nationwide.
A seven-year-old double amputee from Rickmansworth has overcome his fear of swimming and now has his sights set on becoming a professional footballer.
Oscar Connor, who was born without tibia bones in his legs, spent his first year in the hospital. At two years old, he had his legs amputated to be able to walk instead of using a wheelchair. Despite undergoing 12 operations, Oscar began one-to-one swimming lessons at William Penn Leisure Centre last October. Initially afraid of the water, he now uses swimming to manage his pain and build strength.
“Oscar has always wanted to learn how to swim, but at first he was extremely nervous about entering the water,” said his mother, Kayleigh Watson. “Despite his young age, he was determined to overcome his fear and instead let the excitement of learning to swim drive him, which is ultimately how he conquered his nervousness. Oscar now uses swimming to manage his pain whilst building his body strength bit by bit. Swimming helps to ease both the discomfort he gets from using prosthetics and the pain he feels due to hip dysplasia.”
Oscar’s swim instructors were praised for their supportive approach. “Oscar’s swim teachers have been truly amazing. They are kind and understanding about his limitations and have always encouraged him, which really shows as he is now so confident in the water,” Kayleigh said. “Swimming is such an important life skill, and I am so grateful to the teachers at William Penn for enabling Oscar to learn how to swim. We went to Cyprus during the summer holidays and Oscar was amazing in the swimming pool and the ocean. We created some core family memories – something that wouldn’t have been possible if Oscar couldn’t swim.”
Oscar’s new confidence is also helping him pursue his dream of becoming a professional footballer. “Oscar has become so good at swimming which has really helped him understand he can do anything! He is now tackling new sports like football and gymnastics, and dreams of becoming a footballer one day. He is a little superstar, and I am so proud of him. As a family, we’re excited to continue our family swim sessions as we support him in achieving his footballer dreams.”
Ellie-Ann Booth, Contract Swim Manager for Everyone Active across Three Rivers, said: “Seeing Oscar overcome his swimming fears whilst he has been with us has been nothing short of amazing. He is such a determined, inspirational young man and has proven that anyone, no matter their age, background or ability, can learn to swim with the help of supportive and patient teachers. Oscar is a shining example of how learning to swim can be truly life-changing. Swimming is not only a lifesaving skill, but it can enable increased confidence, fun with friends in the water and, ultimately, improved mental and physical wellbeing.”
William Penn Leisure Centre, where Oscar takes lessons, is managed by Everyone Active in partnership with Three Rivers District Council. The leisure operator was recently awarded Swim England’s Learn to Swim Accreditation for the tenth year in a row, recognizing the high standards of its swimming lesson program nationwide.
Chris Mitchell is the founder and editor of Harrow Online, Harrow’s leading local news platform.
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