He started competing at age 18, and his dedication quickly paid off. His siblings, Elizabeth and James, have also made significant marks in sports. Elizabeth won gold in the women's T11 100m and T11 200m at the 2016 Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro. James claimed bronze in the men's S12 100m butterfly at the 2012 Games in London.

Training and Coaching

He trains under Chris Jones at the University of Edinburgh and Rob Aubry for national events. His experience at Edinburgh has been transformative. "I was pretty close to exiting the sport, but due to my Edinburgh links I ended up joining the performance sport programme at Edinburgh in 2019," he said.

Achievements

One of his most memorable achievements is winning gold in the S12 100m butterfly at the 2022 World Championships in Madeira, Portugal. In 2019, he was named Male Athlete of the Year and Para Athlete of the Year by the City of Sunderland club in England.

Family Influence

His sister Elizabeth has been a significant influence on him. "It was always really good for me to have my sister around, especially for Rio [in 2016] because in my first couple of races I was very nervous," he said. He continues to seek her advice on various aspects of his career.

Technique

To keep his bearings in the pool, he counts his strokes. "I just count my strokes each length. And over the years I've kind of got that very, very consistent so I know where I am in the pool with each stroke I take," he explained.

Philosophy

He believes in balancing personal life with professional commitments. "It was important to find that balance between my personal life and my professional life, and not make my life wholly about swimming," he said.

Future Ambitions

Looking ahead, he aims to compete at the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris. His journey from nearly quitting to becoming a top athlete is inspiring for many aspiring swimmers.

[Athlete]'s story is a testament to perseverance and passion. With strong family support and excellent coaching, he continues to excel in his sport while maintaining a balanced life.