The 30-year-old Forster resident claimed four medals from four events at the games in Abu Dhabi, including a silver in the 100m backstroke, a bronze in the 200m freestyle, a silver in the 4 x 100m freestyle relay, and most impressive of all, a gold in the 100m freestyle.

She also smashed a number of personal best times on her way to the podium.

"It was just incredible," Teila's mother, Wendy Bulmer, said.

"She's gone for gold all her life and tried her best and it's paid off."

Mrs Bulmer and her husband travelled to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to support their daughter at the games, which were held from March 14 - 21, and said her achievements were totally unexpected.

"We were expecting really strong competition," she said.

"We had no idea she would come home with medals."   

Teila qualified for the Special Olympics World Games after winning gold at the National Games in Adelaide last year.

Local swimming coach Peter Sanders, who trains Teila at the Great Lakes Aquatic Centre with assistant coach Adel Gregory, praised her achievements and said she'd worked really hard in the lead up to the event.

"She did really well," he said.

"The last six months she put in a lot of hard work."

Mrs Bulmer said the whole experience of being in the UAE for the Special Olympics was amazing, but nothing beat seeing the smile on her daughter's face when she won.

"I don't think she could believe it herself," she said.

"She was almost in tears."

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Teila spent two weeks in Abu Dhabi and Dubai with the Australian team, and apart from her own personal achievements, Mrs Bulmer said meeting all the other athletes and being a part of such a positive event was hugely rewarding for her daughter.

"The big thing for them is the social aspect of it," she said.

"They all cheer each other on and are just so happy for each other.

"It's amazing for athletes with a disability."

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