David Roberts

Gold winning paralympic swimmer

Born:

25 MAY 1980

Place of Birth:

Pontypridd

Famous For:

Gold winning paralympic swimmer

Biography:

The Welsh swimmer is one of our biggest Paralympic successes, having won gold at three successive games.

David was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at the age of 11.

Swimming was recommended as the best form of physiotherapy and he joined a club in Cardiff.

With encouragement and support from his parents, David competed in events around the country.

He was chosen to represent Wales at the age of 14 and was selected for Great Britain five years later.

In his first Paralympics - Sydney 2000 - he entered four races - and won four gold medals.

David, holder of world records for freestyle, entered ten events at the 2004 Paralympic Games in Athens.

He came home with four gold medals after victories in the S7 50 metres freestyle, 400m freestyle, 4x100m freestyle relay and the 100m freestyle.

At the Beijing games in 2008 he broke his own Paralympic record for the second time in a day to win his third consecutive gold in the men's 100m freestyle (S7).

He followed that with a second gold as part of the four man GB team which won the men's 100m freestyle relay, eventually finishing with a tally of four golds.

Another medal came in the 2009 New Year's Honours list as David was awarded the CBE.

David works hard for his success - nine pool sessions and two or three gym sessions every week.

Moment of Glory:

Gold medals at three Paralympic games

your comments

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Higino Octavio
Congratulation to David Roberts - I had the opportunity to photograph him at events in his honour and other athletes in Cardiff. He is a excellent man, a great athlete, a good role model for young people and future athletes in Wales and the world. In modern life men like David Roberts are the real stars. Always available and inspirational.

Sarah, Miskin
I'm very angry with the BBC! Why aren't you up for the UK Sports Personality of the Year?!! You an inspiration to many, David.

Helen Small, Bournemouth
Great to see him on A Question of Sport.

Megan, Newport
Met him at an ice hockey game in Cardiff, he is a lovely guy and the medals are so heavy.

Gail, Brynna
Has been an inspiration to all the kids at Llanharan Primary school where his brother is a teacher. Opened the school's summer fete, and was fantastic with the kids. Congratulations Dave, we feel honoured to know you.

Drew Harper in Edinburgh, formerly Pontypridd
You're an inspiration. Love the gareth thomas celebrations !

Ben rosser Merthyr tydfil
Met dave in the domincan republic on holiday back last june. As both being welsh we got on really well. Dave offered to learn we how to improve my swiming. Didnt get chance to say good bye at the end of the holiday. Well done dave you have done as proud. Ben and rach

Kevin Mordecai-Lamerton, Penarth
Went to college with him - he's a great guy. Wish him all the best.

Simon, Blackwood
Brilliant, congratulations and well done David, not only for the results that you have acheived but also for the dedication and determination that you have shown on the way to getting them.

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