‘Sociable’ swimmer with Williams syndrome chasing gold at Special Olympics

Iris Hanley is known as a social butterfly with an affinity with water.

The 15-year-old from Auckland’s Greenlane will be competing at the New Zealand Special Olympics National Summer Games on Thursday.

Hanley has a genetic condition called Williams syndrome and will be taking part in the freestyle, backstroke and relay swimming events.

“I love the water so much, I just feel so happy when I’m swimming,” she said.

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“I’m a little bit nervous, but it’s going to be fun.”

Her mother, Denise Bray, will accompany her throughout the competition which takes place in Hamilton from December 8 to 12.

“There are quite a few Williams syndrome individuals who are reasonably good swimmers,” Bray said.

“I don’t know why that is, but they do seem to have an affinity with the pool.”

Hanley has been swimming since she was 5 years old and trains three times a week.

She has recently learnt how to dive into the pool to start her swim.

“I think it’s awesome and amazing, like super cool, it also makes me go faster,” she said.

”I like to win, but it’s OK if I don’t win, if I try my hardest.”

Williams syndrome is characterised by learning and cardiovascular problems, but also outgoing and engaging personality traits.

“I guess any physical activity is good … there’s a heart condition so any kind of activity that she can do benefits her,” Bray said.

“People come up to me who I don’t know and say, ‘Are you Iris’ mum? She certainly is a very happy, sociable girl.’”

Hanley attends Baradene College of the Sacred Heart in Remuera and, outside of swimming, she enjoys singing in a choir and kapa haka.

The New Zealand Special Olympics National Summer Games take place every four years and is one of the country’s largest multi-sport events.

It will draw 1300 athletes and coaches from across Aotearoa to take part in 10 sports over four days of competition.

“While some things are very difficult for Iris, there are lots of things that she has that I think we could all benefit from,” her mum said.

“She is really a happy, positive influence.”