A Paralympic gold medallist from east Norfolk has overcome the odds to represent Team GB in her fifth World Championship milestone.

Swimming sensation Jessica-Jane Applegate has qualified for the 2023 Para Swimming World Championships in Manchester this summer. 

Joining the 28-strong British team set to compete from July 31 until August 6, Miss Applegate said the support from people in the area has allowed her to reach this milestone.

Great Yarmouth Mercury: Three-time Paralympian Jessica-Jane Applegate. Picture - British SwimmingThree-time Paralympian Jessica-Jane Applegate. Picture - British Swimming (Image: British Swimming)

The swimmer, from Burgh Castle, near Gorleston, said: "After returning home from the Commonwealth Games last summer with a silver medal, I was thrilled to bits. 

"But weeks later, my back started to go into spasms and I was unable to walk, sometimes unable to get out of bed."

An MRI scan showed Miss Applegate had bulging discs, degenerative disease, disc dehydration and a disc tear. Miss Applegate strived to find a way to help alleviate her back issues without injections or possible surgery.

Great Yarmouth Mercury: Jessica won Silver at last year's Commonwealth Games in Birmingham. Picture - Bob BraineJessica won Silver at last year's Commonwealth Games in Birmingham. Picture - Bob Braine (Image: Bob Braine)

With the help of Nick Warren from Wymondham Chiropractic, Miss Applegate was well enough to compete at the world trials and qualified for the 200m freestyle and 100m backstroke in the S14 category.

Miss Applegate said: "This will be the fifth worlds I've been selected for, which seems crazy.

"I won't have a heavy schedule like I've done in previous years, as I'll be focusing on myself and the training I can build on going forward.

"I come from such a supportive area and have never left as the facilities and the people are just incredible.

"I hope I can do everyone proud again."

Great Yarmouth Mercury: Jessica-Jane with Great Yarmouth Borough mayor Graham Plant after she was awarded a certificate of acknowledgement of a Decade of International Achievements. Picture - Dawn ApplegateJessica-Jane with Great Yarmouth Borough mayor Graham Plant after she was awarded a certificate of acknowledgement of a Decade of International Achievements. Picture - Dawn Applegate (Image: Dawn Applegate)

Miss Applegate said she was excited to start training with coach Alex Pinniger, of City of Norwich Swimming Club, chiropractor Nick Warren and personal trainer Jason Naylor. 

Miss Applegate has accumulated 37 international medals for Great Britain across World Championships, European Championships, Commonwealth Games and the Paralympics, winning gold medals at London 2012 and at Tokyo 2020.