British Olympic Hopeful Chloe Waddell Dies Morning After Awards Ceremony

ALTRINCHAM, UK, February 6. CHLOE Waddell was rushed to the hospital and pronounced dead the morning after she received numerous honors, including one for Outstanding Achievement, at an awards presentation for her club team, the Altrincham Swimming Club. She additionally competed for Swim Trafford-Trafford Borough's Performance Squad, and was in the top-five nationally in distance events.

In the summer of 2012, the 16-year-old represented Great Britain at an Open Water Talent Camp in France. She competed in Nationals and British Championships in a number of freestyle events, and won a bronze medal in the 800m freestyle at the prestigious UK School Games in London in May 2012. Some projected her to represent Great Britain at the 2016 Olympics after watching her compete at the 2012 British Olympic Trials against British swimming sensation Rebecca Adlington.

In a statement, British Swimming said: “British Swimming sends its thoughts and condolences to the parents, family, friends and team-mates of Chloe Waddell following the news that the Swim Trafford swimmer passed away on Sunday morning. Sixteen-year-old Chloe was one of the squad's most promising young stars and had gone from strength to strength since joining the squad several years ago.”

Following the Altrincham Swimming Club's awards ceremony, Waddell reportedly attended a party at a friend's house. She was later picked up by her parents and went to bed as usual. The following morning, Waddell's parents called emergency services, which then transported their daughter to a local hospital. There is some speculation that Waddell may have hit her head at the party the previous night. Greater Manchester Police reported arriving at the family home at 8:30am Sunday morning to treat a girl in cardiac arrest. The exact cause of death is still under investigation.

James Stannard, Swim Trafford's head performance coach told The Daily Mail, “We are deeply saddened and shocked by the loss of Chloe and as a small squad, this news has rocked us.”

Read the full story at: www.dailymail.co.uk

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