A TEENAGER who was told she would never be able to swim again after she was diagnosed with a spinal condition has achieved a qualifying time to take part in a national competition.

Eleanor Wase from Iredale View in Baldock, was swimming at national level when, at the age of 12, she was diagnosed with a severe curve in her spine and told she needed an operation to save her mobility.

Eleanor’s mum Nicola Wase had started to notice ther daughter’s shoulder blade was protruding on one side and Eleanor had also started to experience severe pain shooting down one side of her back. The Knights Templar student was also struggling to keep up with her friends at her swimming class.

Eventually Eleanor was diagnosed with scoliosis, a curving of the spine which needed to be treated quickly to prevent any further deterioration.

Eleanor, now 14, said: “I was so upset when I was told about my spine. I had always loved being in the water and I was getting really good, training up to five times a week. I had even come third in the nationals.

“When I was told that my favourite stroke was putting serious strain on my spine and it was something I should consider giving up, I was devastated.

“I had to take the occasional day off school as well, which just meant that I was getting behind with my school work on top of everything else.

“I could not sit for long periods at a desk and I would fidget, which was distracting for me and for everyone else.”

With Eleanor facing the prospect of major surgery as her only option, the family searched the internet for alternative treatments and discovered Scoliosis SOS.

The clinic in central London is the only one in the world to offer treatment following the ScolioGold method, a combination of non-surgical treatments.

Earlier this year Eleanor was booked on to a four-week course where she was given exercises to strengthen the muscles surrounding her spine and her condition stabilised.

Since completing the course of treatment, Eleanor has swam 100m backstroke in 1min 8sec meaning she will now compete at the British Gas ASA Championships in Sheffield on July 27.

She said: “I am so relieved to get back to what I love. I really didn’t want to have surgery. Swimming and keeping fit is my life. I was terrified of being different. I wanted to be normal again. I am so glad I found these exercises. They really have completely turned my life around. I am looking forward to entering the competitions later in the year.”