CAMDEN Haven’s Isabella ‘Bella’ Fede continues to make waves in the athletics world, smashing multi-class records at the School Sport Australia Track and Field Championships.

Competing for NSW at the Championships held in Sydney at the end of November, Bella took silver in the 12 Years Girls Multi-Class Shot Put event with an impressive throw of 4.33m.

This effort set a new School Sport Australia record in the F21 category.

She then clinched a gold medal in the 12 Years Girls Multi-Class Discus event with a remarkable throw of 11.73m, establishing another F21 record.

Bella’s F21 classification has been determined by Athletics Australia based on her genetic condition, Trisomy 21, more commonly known as Down syndrome.

Bella’s parents, Heidi and Lee Fede, couldn’t be prouder of their daughter’s success.

“This experience has just been phenomenal for Bella and I felt very honoured to be there to share it with her,” said proud mum Heidi.

“She was absolutely beside herself when she won the discus event, with Bella later telling me that this was the best day of her life.

“Bella would have never reached this level without the encouragement of the students and staff of St Joseph’s Primary School, in particular Mr Michael Marshall, who recognised Bella’s talent when she was in Year 4.

“Bella knew that the community at our home town were watching her events and cheering her on, with their support giving Bella the momentum she needed.”

Despite her remarkable accomplishments, Bella’s aspiration of competing in the 2032 Brisbane Paralympics currently faces uncertainty.

At present, athletes with Down syndrome can technically qualify under existing intellectual disability classifications, however advocates say these categories do not adequately account for the unique physical, functional, and neurological characteristics of the condition, creating barriers to fair competition.

This disparity means that athletes with Down syndrome are forced to qualify against peers who may have intellectual disabilities but no other physical impairments.

By Kim AMBROSE