A TAUNTON swimmer has set new world records and won three gold medals at the recent European Swimming Championship for athletes with down syndrome.

The championships held in Padova, Italy, brought together the best swimmers in Europe and Caroline Faithfull showed how good she really is.

The 29-year-old won a gold medal in the 800m freestyle event, a gold medal in the 4x100m freestyle relay and the 4x200m freestyle relay.

In the two freestyle relays, Caroline helped to break the world record, in both events.

She also picked up silver medals in the 400m freestyle and 200m backstroke events, and a bronze medal in the 200m freestyle.

On top of those medals, Caroline picked up seven age group medals and she was the 4th best place woman out of the 31 competing at the event.

Amazingly, she set five personal best times from her seven events participated events.

Caroline is currently a member of the Taunton Deane Swimming Club and for these championships represented Great Britain.

After the event, she said she was very proud.

"I am very proud to have represented my country at these championships.

"I will be training hard now for the next British Championship in November and then the next World Championship to be held in Turkey next March."