Philip Balcombe, the coach who guided Maskill from age 10 to 18, vividly remembers when he first spotted her at the Centurions swimming club in Northwich, Cheshire. She was swimming alongside her sisters in a public lane, but her determination immediately set her apart. “There was this young girl keeping up with everything my competitive swimmers were doing,” Balcombe recalled. While he doesn’t always believe in identifying talent at such a young age, Maskill’s attitude and dedication were impossible to ignore.

As Maskill continued training under Balcombe’s guidance, her ambition became increasingly clear. During a break in land training, when she was 11, Balcombe asked his swimmers why they chose to swim. Most gave predictable answers, but Maskill’s response was different: “I want to go to the Olympics.” That simple statement reflected a focus and drive beyond her years, foreshadowing the incredible achievements she would later accomplish.

Balcombe, who saw Maskill through her early successes at regional, national, and international levels, remains in awe of her dedication. In the nine years they trained together, she rarely missed a session, demonstrating an unrelenting commitment to her sport. Even during the Covid-19 lockdown, when pools were closed, Maskill’s determination didn’t waver. Her parents installed a swimming pool in their garden, and she continued training under Balcombe’s remote supervision, showing a remarkable level of perseverance.

Throughout his long career, Balcombe has coached countless swimmers, but he notes that working with Maskill was always a unique experience. Her ability to absorb everything he taught and her relentless pursuit of improvement made coaching her both challenging and rewarding. He fondly remembers the only time she appeared nervous, right before a final at the Commonwealth Games, when the crowd of 6,000 British fans erupted in cheers for her.

Though unable to attend the Paris Paralympics in person, Balcombe watched Maskill’s race from home, celebrating her victory with his family. Seeing her clinch the gold was an emotional moment for him, filled with pride and a sense of shared accomplishment. “It’s hard to put into words,” he said. “It felt like I swam every length of that race with her. I think I was more nervous than she was.”

Balcombe also took the opportunity to recognise the vital role played by Maskill’s family and other coaches throughout her journey. While athletes like Maskill rightly receive the spotlight, he emphasised that their success is often supported by a team of people working behind the scenes. “There are many who contribute to a swimmer’s success, even if they don’t always get the recognition they deserve,” Balcombe noted.

Poppy Maskill’s rise from a determined 11-year-old to a Paralympic champion is a powerful example of how dreams can become reality with hard work, support, and unwavering focus.