ELITE disability swimmer Suzanne Warren recovered from a week of bad health to compete at the Groundhog gala, in Norwich.

The 37-year-old, who hopes to qualify for this year’s Paralympic Games in Rio, considered pulling out of the event after suffering an adrenal crisis, caused by her Addison’s disease.

Her rare condition is brought about by the failure of the adrenal glands and she admitted having “psychological hurdles” to overcome.

However, Warren rose to the challenge – despite not being able to swim at her usual pace – and managed times that were within three and six seconds from her personal bests.

In the 50 metres backstroke, Warren clocked one minute and 3.90 seconds, in the 50m freestyle 1m 6.51s and in the 50m fly 1m 4.46s.

Then, in the 100m freestyle, she finished six seconds away from her PB and just seven seconds from the British record which has stood since the Barcelona Paralympics in 1992.

“The illness is very complex and I thought about pulling out, but I’m so pleased I didn’t,” said S4 swimmer Warren, who won four gold medals at last year’s European Masters and, in total, has clocked 23 regional records and 17 British records.

“I managed to turn everything around and, with a lot of support from the medical team and my mum, a plan was put together. With the help of the medication, listening to my body, trusting myself and following my plans, I swam a great gala.

“I knew I couldn’t get fast times but that’s fine.

“This is a stepping stone to something much bigger.

“The plan may look different and there might be less races, but I’m now focused on where I can get from here.”

Warren plans to channel her efforts towards the 50m backstroke, 50m butterfly and 100m freestyle.

She wants to break a 23-year record in the 100m freestyle.

“The Groundhog gala ended up being a fantastic confidence-booster and I’m more determined than ever to get my treatment plans where they need to be,” added Warren, who is now working towards the upcoming British international, which incorporates the Paralympic trial.

“I hope to minimise the risk of a crisis as best I can, so I can put in the training I need and get to trials with fantastic technique and speed.

“And if I follow the programme and monitor it closely, I believe I’ll still be competitive at the trials.

“There are hard times and ups and downs in sport that need to be overcome before you can achieve at the highest level.

“We’re working together to find the best medication plan that fits around my training, competition and even daily life.

“And while this is happening I’m working at a lower intensity, but with a clear focus on my technique.

“It’s kept me swimming well.”