The champion attitude of one of the Highlands great sportspeople is shining through COVID challenges and disappointment.
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Daniel Rumsey is a man with a never-give-up-attitude who is enjoying a new-found musical passion and excited by plans for a double family wedding - including his own.
His continued determination to embrace life with a champion spirit is a life-long trait. You see Daniel was born with Down syndrome, but he has refused to consider himself disabled.
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At the height of his swimming career in 2016 the Bundanoon superfish broke six world records at the Down Syndrome World Swimming Championships. It was the fifth time he had competed in the championships.
While he has retired from swimming competitively and the associated rigorous training, Daniel still keeps fit by getting into the pool whenever he can. Unfortunately the opportunity for consistent training has been hindered more recently due to the COVID pandemic and ongoing restrictions.
It is not the only thing that has been impacted in Daniel's life since the start of the pandemic.
His father John Rumsey said that "like many others, he has had his ups and downs since the start of the pandemic."
"He still swims for fitness and until this latest lockdown, he continued to work at Welby Garden Centre three days a week, going out on their work crew to maintain gardens, lawn mowing and so on," John said.
"Sadly his wedding to Jodie, which was supposed to take place on October 9, has had to be postponed due to the current COVID situation."
But none of these challenges have stopped Daniel from achieveing his dreams... or finding a few new goals.
John said that "on the positive side, the wedding has been rescheduled for the February 11 when we hope life will be somewhat back to normal."
The pending nuptials will be a day of double celebrations as Daniel's brother and great supporter Andrew will also exchange vows with his partner Emma.
"Danny and Andrew have always been extremely close," John said.
"Andrew met a lady on a train one day while traveling to Melbourne. Her brother had Down Syndrome and her father had invented a special harp for him, called the Veeh Harp, so he could enjoy music like the rest of his family."
When Andrew, a renowned pianist who has performed at Carnegie Hall, was travelling and performing in Europe, he went to Germany and bought Danny a Veeh Harp.
"That was the start of Danny's musical career!" John said.
"He has since played in a number of concerts with his brother, and performed in the Great Hall of Parliament House on International Day of People with a Disability last year."
John said that the harp had become the new "love of his life".
But was quick to add "apart from Jodie of course".
"He plays it every day," he said.
While live performances are not currently possible the work of the dynamic brother duo can be enjoyed on the website Harmony Harp at http://www.harmonyharp.com.au/. Check out the gallery section of the website.
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