An Olympic athlete has become the UK\u2019s first licensed zumba instructor with Down\u2019s syndrome after taking up the pasttime during lockdown.<\/p>\n
Hannah Payton, 24 from Atherton in Greater Manchester, has already won medals representing Great Britain in the Special Olympics for both badminton and swimming.<\/p>\n
The determined 24 year old began taking zumba classes during lockdown when she had to shield during the pandemic due to her condition \u2013 which meant she could no longer practice swimming and badminton.<\/p>\n
Zumba combines Latin and international music with dance moves, gaining popularity in recent years because of its many physical benefits.<\/p>\n
Hannah\u2019s mother Jutta said: \u201cHannah wasn\u2019t feeling great during the lockdown as she had to shield.<\/p>\n
\u201cShe is very, very active and that all stopped.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nPeople have been so supportive, I am very happy and very proud<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
Jutta said that Hannah found out about the classes online in a bid to keep active.<\/p>\n
\n“She can barely sleep she is that happy.” Hannah Payton is on track to become the first Zumba instructor in the UK with #downsyndrome<\/a> and will receive her certification on October 10. Way to go, Hannah! <\/p>\n
\t\u2014 Global Down Syndrome (@GDSFoundation) September 18, 2021<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n