Alex Cohoon is a very ambitious young swimmer and said recently ‘I want to swim for my country, the Olympics is the dream'.

Now 17-year-old Alex from Fairford could possibly make his dream come true as he has been preparing to take part in trials for the Olympics.

The trails will be a valuable experience for him as he works towards his dream of representing his country at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Alex qualified for the trials with his times of 23.70 seconds in the 50m Freestyle and 29.89 seconds in the 50m Breaststroke.

Trials for the 100m Freestyle and 50m Butterfly had been postponed because of the Covid-19 scare.

However, Alex was allowed to compete late at night before the lockdown with Team Bath and qualified with a time of 52.60 seconds.

Alex’s top coach, Andy Osborne, said: "This was a big swim for Alex. The fact that he swam under the qualifying time for the Olympic trials so late at night was outstanding."

Currently, Alex sits 4th in the region in his age for 100m Freestyle.

He is still hoping to gain a best time for the 50m Butterfly, but the trials scheduled for mid-March will now be held at a later date.

Alex has a history of breaking records for Cirencester Swimming Club – breaking three club records in one swim meet: 50m Freestyle in 22.80 seconds, 100m Freestyle in 50.69 seconds and 100m Breaststroke in 1:03.58.

Ali Norrish, chair of Cirencester Swimming Club said: "This is the first time that one of our swimmers has reached the Olympic Trials and we are delighted at this tremendous achievement for Alex."

Alex, who is also County Champion in the 50m Freestyle, 50m Breaststroke, 100m Freestyle, 100m Breaststroke and 100m Individual Medley, is being sponsored by The Lakes by yoo.

Giles Baker, managing director of the Lakes, said: "The Lakes by yoo is very pleased to support Alex and will continue to encourage and support opportunities for young people in the area. We wish Alex all the very best."