Swimming Success

A young athlete is on the crest of a wave after securing success in his chosen sport. Swimmer Thom Flower is heading the field as he pursues his dreams of being ranked among the fastest in the world. The Richmond School and Sixth Form College student attended the English Schools Swimming Inter Divisional champions taking 1st place in the 100m freestyle. He was also placed 2nd in the 200m freestyle and 3rd in the 400m freestyle and relay race. A member of Richmond Dales Swimming Club, Thom attributes his success to his head coach Chris Dove. “He is working wonders at motivating all the club’s swimmers,” said sixth former Thom, 18, of Richmond, who started swimming competitively eight years ago. “He is just so passionate about swimming that you can’t help but feel inspired. My aim is to attend European and international meets with the hope of making Team GB one day and becoming one of the fastest swimmers in the world.” Thom is preparing for regional competitions swimming nine sessions of two-three hours a week on top of studying A levels in sport and design technology at Richmond Sixth Form College. “I’m also eating as much as I can because I need to grow,” said Thom, who is on the ACE swimming programme. “Because of my birthday, I’m one of the youngest in the 19 and upwards age group, where swimmers are in excess of 6ft tall. This can give them up to half a second on you in a race because of their extra reach.” Richmond School and Sixth Form College head of sport Tony Potter said: “Thom is absolutely committed to his swimming and we are delighted to support him by fitting his academic timetable around his training. “The hours he puts into his training is proof of his commitment and dedication and show he has the right mindset to achieve success at the highest level.”