Milestone marked, but there’s no stopping Rina

ACCORDING to Rina Aufgang, time flies when you’re having fun.

Over the past decade Aufgang has had a glittering swimming career with the Special Olympics team, something she has recently been recognised for with a commemorative trophy.

“I just can’t believe that it [10-year anniversary] is here already,” Aufgang told The AJN.

“It’s hard for people to do something like this, so it’s a big achievement.

“Sport is a really good thing to keep me fit and healthy, and I just love swimming.”

The 48-year-old recently received a trophy commemorating her time with the Special Olympics squad, an organisation set up to provide training and competitions for athletes with intellectual disabilities.

But according to the swimming star, her career in the pool is not yet over.

“The trophy is not really the most important thing, it’s just that I want to keep on going and to achieve,” Aufgang said.

“I’ve improved over time. I started off at the bottom level, and then moved onto the second group not long after, but now I’m at the top level.”

Aufgang achieved her greatest success in 2008 when she won four gold medals at the state invitational short course aquatics championships in Tasmania. She has also competed and won at various Victorian championships and other events.

Swimming is something that Aufgang is not only good, but an activity she thoroughly enjoys.

“I love it [swimming] so much,” Aufgang said.

“I’m proud that I’m good at it, and my doctor is proud that I can keep exercising.

“It keeps me focused, and takes my mind of my work and social life, so it’s very important.”

Aufgang works at a coat hanger recycling warehouse, and says that the people around her at work are very supportive of her efforts in the pool.

“My boss is a top bloke, and everyone there is very happy with my achievements,” Aufgang said.

She hopes to return to a competitive level and race for more medals in the future, but for now she will continue her regular routine with the Victorian Special Olympics swimming team every fortnight.

“I hope I will [race again], but it depends if I get picked for future events or not,” Aufgang said.

ASHLEY SHENKER