WARRINGTON swimmer Courtney Dean, was part of the national water polo team who secured gold at the EU Nations Cup.
Courtney, who is a member of Warrington Swimming and Water Polo Club, helped the England Senior Women’s Team storm to victory at the championships in Pilsen, in the Czech Republic.
A thrilling final against South Africa saw the lead exchange hands frequently, with Courtney scoring one goal, but it was England who started and finished the match strongly.
Despite missing two penalties and South Africa taking a 4-3 lead at the end of the first half, England grew in confidence and took control to win the final two quarters 3-2 and 6-0, earning them a spectacular 12-6 victory.
This isn’t the first time Courtney has represented her country – she competed in both the World and European Championships as a junior, coming seventh in the World Championships in France in 2010, when she was just 15.
Now 22, her passion for water polo actually started by accident after her brother, Conor, asked her to fill in at Warrington Swimming Club when she was just eight.
It wasn’t long before coaches spotted the swimmer’s talent and by the age of 11, she had made the regional squad and was playing in Manchester.
Courtney, who lives in Stockton Heath, holds her level 2 in water polo coaching and swimming teaching and currently works at Broomfields Leisure Centre.
She’s also supported by LiveWire’s Talented Athlete Programme and has been receiving regular support from experts at LiveWire during her training.
The swimmer’s next big challenge is the World University Games next month. Water polo is one of 10 sports that will be played at the event in Taipei, Taiwan.
To compete in the next event, Courtney needs to raise £2520 to cover the cost of her travel and
training. Since 2014, water polo athletes have been required to cover their own costs, since funding for the sport was withdraw by UK Sport.
Warrington Swimming and Water Polo Club have already donated £150 to help Courtney get to Taipei.
