Ashville swimmer wins gold at National Summer Meet

Published by Ashville College on Monday 26th of September 2022

An Ashville College pupil has won gold at Swim England’s National Summer Meet.

Jacob, who is a member of Tadcaster Swimming Club, was one of more than 1,400 able bodied and para-swimmers from across the country competing in the five-day event held at Sheffield’s Ponds Forge International Sports Centre.

The 15-year-old came first out of a field of ten in the men’s 15yrs 200m individual medley, finishing in a time of two minutes and 14.63 seconds, half a second quicker than his nearest rival.

He also clinched silver in the men’s 200m backstroke with a time of two minutes and 15.28 seconds.

These latest podium finishes come on the back of him claiming fourth place in the 50m backstroke at the British Nationals Swim Championships.

In addition, he recently won a bronze medal in the National Biathle* Final U17. This secured him a place in the British Pentathlon squad, and will see him, and his teammates, heading to Madeira this October for the World Championships. Jacob has been selected for both the individual and team competitions.

Sally Warren, Ashville College’s Director of Sport, said:

“Winning gold and silver at Swim England’s National Summer Meet is a terrific achievement for Jacob, and certainly bodes well for future competitions.

“He is a very talented athlete, works incredibly hard at his chosen sports, and we wish him and his teammates the very best in the forthcoming World Championships.”

*Biathle, which is also referred to as modern biathlon, is a sport that was derived from modern pentathlon. The sport originated with the intention to provide training opportunities for the run and swim portions of the modern pentathlon, which later became very popular and emerged as a sport in its own right.