HEATHER Frederiksen scooped her first medal of the London 2012 Paralympic Games by defending her 2008 Beijing silver in the S8 400m Freestyle.

 USA’s Jessica Long stormed clear to clock a world record 4mins 42.28secs for gold but European champion Frederiksen was in a league of her own in the race for silver as she clocked 5:00.50 – nearly nine seconds clear of Australia’s Maddison Elliott in third.

  The Leigh swimmer had a breakthrough meeting at the 2008 Paralympics with 400m Freestyle silver paving the way for a further individual gold, silver and bronze in the S8 classification.

  But having endured a difficult year with on-off illness, the Cheshire-based athlete admitted it was an emotional feeling to reach the Paralympic podium again.

  “It means so much to me,” said the 26-year-old.

“To be able to get a medal in front of a home crowd is an incredible feeling. I really couldn’t have given any more today.

  “To be able to be here after the 12 months I’ve had with illness is great so to be able to go home with a medal from this event is absolutely phenomenal.”