A TEENAGER from Redditch won one gold and two silver medals competing in the British Down Syndrome Swimming Championships.
Adam Ross, aged 16, won gold in the 25m backstroke event. He also took silver in both the 25m and 50m breaststroke races.
He competed in seven events in the 16 and under age group – both 25m and 50m distance across all four strokes.
Adam’s coach at EVT@Redditch, Lee Ross said: “Adam was a founder member of EVT@Redditch triathlon club this summer.
“We are the first club that welcomed Adam for what he is – a boy who loves swimming.
“He brings a level of enthusiasm and inspiration that the rest of the juniors feed off and they have continually encouraged Adam to follow his dreams.
“Inclusion is everything to us. When we found out about the Down Syndrome Championships, Rubicon Leisure and Lifesaver Redditch helped us to get more pool time.
“These last eight weeks Adam has worked so hard to improve to the level he is at now. His progress has been incredible.”
Adam’s parents Vicky and Chris said: “This time 16 years ago, Adam was awaiting open heart surgery. He has always shown everyone that life is what you make it and you get back what you put in.
“We are so proud of him.”
The Championships took place at the K2 Centre in Crawley, West Sussex as over 120 swimmers from the UK took part along with 35 overseas swimmers from Japan, Egypt, Portugal, Estonia and Ireland.
Adam almost won a second gold only to suffer disqualification after finishing first in the 25m butterfly due to a technicality when touching the wall at the end of the race.
He also raced in the novice 25m freestyle and recorded the fastest time of the day to finish in 21.97 seconds.
Adam’s dream is to represent the senior Great Britain team at the Down Syndrome Swimming World Championships.
EVT@Redditch is an inclusive junior triathlon club for children aged eight to 15-years-old who have a competent level of swimming.
For more information, contact: [email protected]
