A BRAVE Bolton swimmer has struck 'Olympic' gold - three thousand miles away from Atlanta.

Kelly Walmsley, aged 17, of Bellwood, Westhoughton, who was given a new heart in a lifesaving transplant operation five years ago, won three medals at the British Transplant Games in Cardiff.

Wythenshawe Hospital team, she won gold in the 50m backstroke and silver in the 100m freestyle and 100m breast stroke events.

She is now hoping to be selected to take part in the World Transplant Games in Sydney, Australia, next year.

Transplant athletes from all over Britain travelled to Cardiff for the three-day tournament.

In the World Games held in Manchester last summer, Kelly scooped a total of five golds, one silver and one bronze medal in the swimming events - having won 10 golds in previous British Transplant Games meetings.

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