A YOUNG Cirencester swimmer has made the final of three separate events at the National Summer Meet.

Joseph Giles from Cirencester Swimming Club had gone through a gruelling qualifying process, first at the Gloucester County Championships and subsequently at the South West Regional Championships to join the top 13/14 year olds in the country for the 50m, 100m, and 200m backstroke events.

Joseph refused to be daunted about going up against swimmers with considerably more practice time and acquitted himself brilliantly, making the finals of all three events and delivering a personal best along the way.

In the finals Joseph delivered an outstanding fifth place for the 50m backstroke with a time of 29.76, ninth place in the 100m backstroke with a time of 1.04.88 and 10th place in the 200m backstroke with a time of 2.21.77.

Although he did not win a medal Joseph enjoyed his experience.

Following the event he said: “My time at the Nationals was amazing and gave me a new racing experience as everybody in my age group had similar times - it made every race exciting as there was a possibility of either coming first or last.

“Thankfully I didn’t come last in any of my races due to Ashley Calvert and Howard Green who were coaching me and supporting me at the event.

“I would also like to thank my coaches Paul Grinnell and Peter Starsmeare-Ferris for helping me achieve this as well as Nigel Masters who came to Sheffield to cheer me on.”

Howard Green, Head Coach, commented: “Joseph produced a wonderful display of swimming at the Nationals.

“Despite this being his first major competition he took it all in his stride and swam personal best times in five of his six swims.

“Knowing Joseph he will analyse his performance for where he can improve and I fully expect him to use this experience to come back next year even stronger. “