Making a splash: Bosnian boy defies disabilities to become s

Born without arms and with a deformed foot, six-year-old Bosnian boy Ismail Zulfic however swims like a professional.

That's because he is a professional.

His parents together with an inspirational sports instructor have helped him overcome his physical limitations - and a fear of water - to win a gold medal and the hearts of many people in the Balkans, at a regional competition for swimmers with physical disabilities.

He started swimming last year at Spid, a club for children with disabilities set up by Amel Kapo. With a lack of state aid, Kapo and three other volunteers provide free swimming lessons in what is the only club of its kind in the country.

Nearly 10 percent of Bosnians live with physical or mental disabilities, including 84,000 who fought in the 1992-1995 civil war. disabled access to schools, sports halls and other institutions remains hugely limited in the country.

But little Ismail is proving that determination and perseverance are the most important factors to success.