A teenage gymnast from Co Down has been hailed for her work ethic and team spirit after being crowned World champion in Germany.
Haleigh Miskimmin was selected to represent Team Ireland for Artistic Gymnastics at the Special Olympics World Games in Berlin.
The recently-turned 14-year-old claimed five medals at the competition, including gold in the Vault and silvers in the Uneven Bars, Balance Beam and Floor.
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Her overall performance saw Haleigh named All-Around World Champion 2023, a title that takes in the total of all four event scores.
It was an incredible Games for the talented teen who is a member of the Pro-star Gymnastics Club based in Newtownards.
"We are absolutely delighted for Haleigh, it's an amazing achievement for such a young gymnast," said Nicki Lowry, head coach and co-owner of Pro-star Gymnastics Club.
"To be selected for the team at 13 years old and to secure five medals at her first World Games, she excelled in Berlin and got what she deserved.
"Haleigh is a pleasure to work with as a gymnast and person. She has an exceptional work ethic and is dedicated and focused to achieve her goals.
"She also looks out for younger gymnasts and is part of an amazing team who are also great friends. When she left Dublin (for the Games) she was only 13 years old and got to experience her 14th birthday with Team Ireland in Berlin.
"They made it very special for her and its definitely one she won't forget. She's a very talented gymnast but has always worked hard to get to where she is, it hasn't always come easy."
Haleigh has been involved in gymnastics since the age of two and has spent most of her fledgling career with her current coaches.
She trains four days a week, and on her days off she usually pops down to Pro-star Gymnastics Club to volunteer as a Young Leader and work with some of the younger gymnasts.
The Young Leader programme is a foundation coaching programme for anyone aged 12 and over.
Nicki added: "Haleigh always keen to learn and inspire others to do their best. This was her first time being selected for Team Ireland and her first World Games, due to her age this is first time she has been eligible.
"This is the biggest competition she has been to, although she has travelled within GB on various occasions to take part in the Disability British Championships. This time she was travelling with the entire team for two weeks and the amazing experiences she got.
"The Opening Ceremony was incredible for her. She really has deserved this and it's been a long time coming."
Nicki says the club were confident Haleigh would perform well in Germany, but even they were overwhelmed by her success.
"We were of course hopeful that Haleigh could medal but as with all sports it comes down to what happens on the day. Sometimes things are unpredictable especially gymnastics or mistakes can be made that don't usually happen, so we just wanted her to go out and perform the best she could," Nicki added.
"We didn't expect her to return home as World champion with five medals so we were over the moon - and so was Haleigh! I couldn't have asked anything more of her.
"She really gave the performance of her life."
Nicki describes Haleigh's dedication to gymnastics as "phenomenal", and believes the teenager should act as inspiration to any other person taking part in disability sports.
"Haleigh's story and success should definitely motivate other disability athletes to not give up on their dreams - they can come true," Nicki said.
"Her dedication is phenomenal. She turns up every week to each and every training session, trying to get more in when she can and volunteering within other classes in her free time.
"The gym is her happy place and somewhere she feels very familiar with and comfortable in. It's nice to be able to give that to our athletes.
"I think Haleigh's story sends out a strong message that you should never give up on your dreams, regardless of who you are or what challenges you might face.
"Haleigh inspires and motivates not only disability gymnasts but her teammates and those around her on a daily basis. She's always the kid to try something new first while others may be hesitant.
"She's fearless and in gymnastics that's an Important one."
Dublin Airport was a sea of green when Team Ireland returned home from the Games. Haleigh's teammates also had a surprise for her when she reached home.
"Her presence was greatly missed within the club and we could not be more proud. She is a star," Nicki beamed.
"She has a packed programme over the next few years. We have big plans for 2027 and will Start working on her upgrades for the next Disability British Championships in November."
Nicki added: "The club also received a British Gymnastics award for Equality and Inclusion a few weeks ago so we are proud to be able to offer local children as well as those with additional needs a tried and tested pathway to potentially become Special Olympics Athletes in the future."
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