Western Newfoundland swimmer going to 2012 London Paralympics

Swimmer Katarina Roxon will travel to London this summer to compete at the 2012 Paralympics Games in London.

It will be Roxon’s second time participating in the games.

"I feel absolutely thrilled to be selected for a second Paralympics Games to represent Canada and our province," said Roxon in a news release.

"I want to make Canada and our province proud."  

Roxon, who is from Kippens, has won numerous awards in provincial, national and world swimming events.

She was first named to the Canadian Paralympic Team in 2008 and was the only person from Newfoundland and Labrador to compete at the 2008 Beijing Paralympic Games. In 2010, Roxon competed at the Commonwealth Games in India.  

"At the age of 19, Katarina has established herself as a tremendously dedicated, determined, and award-winning athlete," said Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation Derrick Dalley.

"Making the Canadian Paralympic Team for a second time is a significant accomplishment."  

Roxon qualified for the games after she won a gold medal in the 100-metre butterfly and a bronze in the 100-metre breaststroke at the Canadian Paralympic trials in Montreal earlier this year.