Rosie Tennyson from Forkhill, South Armagh, has been named as a finalist in the Sportswoman with a Disability of the Year category at the upcoming Local Women’s Sports Awards.
The awards, sponsored by the Shandon Hotel & Resort, celebrate outstanding achievements by female athletes across the region.
Rosie’s nomination recognises her remarkable resilience, dedication and achievements in swimming and multi-sport, as well as her role in inspiring others.
A mother of five, Rosie’s journey into sport has come after overcoming significant health challenges.
Following a leg amputation in 2016 due to an arteriovenous malformation (AVM), she relearned how to walk with a prosthetic limb.
She later battled breast cancer while pregnant in 2018, undergoing chemotherapy and a double mastectomy, followed by further preventative surgery in 2020.
Despite these challenges, Rosie has embraced sport as a powerful part of her recovery and wellbeing.
Training with Infinity Swimming Academy and regularly swimming at Camlough Lake, she has become a familiar and inspiring presence in the local open water swimming community.
In June last year, Rosie achieved a major milestone by completing the Crooked Lake Triathlon in Camlough, earning the Spirit of Triathlon Award in recognition of her determination.
The achievement was made even more significant after a serious illness the summer before left her hospitalised during the same event.
Winners will be announced at a ceremony on Saturday April 11 at the Europa Hotel in Belfast.
Speaking about her nomination, Rosie said: “I’m absolutely delighted to be shortlisted. It’s a real honour to be recognised alongside such incredible athletes. It’s taken me a couple of years to get to this point, and to be here now means so much.
“Swimming and training have given me confidence and a real sense of purpose again. I hope my journey shows others that no matter what challenges you face, you can still achieve something positive. I’m also so grateful for the support of my coach and mentor, Milo McCourt, who has played a huge role in helping me develop and keep pushing forward.”
Rosie’s selection as a finalist highlights not only her personal achievements but also the growing strength of disability sport in South Armagh, and the importance of community, coaching and perseverance in helping athletes reach their potential.
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