Teenager Maisie Summers-Newton shortlisted for award

Teenager Maisie Summers-Newton has been shortlisted by the International Paralympic Committee for April’s Allianz Athlete of the Month award.

The 16-year-old set a new world record in the 200m Individual Medley on her way to the World Para-swimming World Series gold in Glasgow.

She shattered her own personal SM6 best after finishing in 2:57.99.

And it was that performance that saw Summers-Newton be put forward for the award.

The nominations are compiled from submissions by National Paralympic Committees (NPCs) and International Federations (IFs).

Votes can be cast on the International Paralympic website by Friday 10 May.

After her record-breaking triumph in Glasgow, Summers-Newton said: “It means a lot.

Whirlwind few months

“I didn’t feel that confident coming in. I was just really nervous, but my main goal was to just qualify in the heats and do really well in the final. To do that, I’m really happy with it.”

Summers-Newton is up against Australian triathlete Kate Doughty, Indian badminton player Krishna Nagar, Switzerland athlete Manuela Schae and Australian athlete Michael Roeger.

It’s been a whirlwind few months for Summers-Newton.

In August 2018, she made her senior international debut at the World Para-Swimming European Championships in Dublin in August and won four medals – three of them gold.

And she was then shortlisted for the BBC Young Sports Personality of the Year Award.

At the time, she said: “To be considered means so much to me. Having previously seen so many inspirational and successful athletes win this award it’s quite a surreal feeling to be shortlisted.

“2018 has been such an amazing year for me and it was great to see all my hard work pay off and I can’t wait to see what next season brings!”