Swimming: Elwood aiming for medal-winning splash at UK School Games (From The Westmorland Gazette)

Swimming: Elwood aiming for medal-winning splash at UK School Games

10:54am Thursday 2nd September 2010 in

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ULVERSTON swimmer Joe Elwood goes into this weekend’s UK School Swimming Games high on confidence after reaching a national final in Sunderland two week’s ago.

Elwood, 16, will swim on Saturday and Sunday in the 100m and 200m backstroke - events he currently holds the county record for - and will also swim the backstroke in the medley relay and 100m freestyle relay.

Having celebrated reaching the final of the national 50m backstroke final in Sunderland, Elwood then had the delight of GCSE success as he achieved 5 A*s, 7 As and a B at St Bernard’s RC School in Barrow.

Elwood said: “Training is going extremely well and I have had a good week’s break. The Games mark the start of the new season so it will give me a chance to compare where I was at the start of last season.”

His father, Paul Elwood, added: “We are immensley proud of his achievements in the pool and in school this year. “Joe’s aim at these Games is to try and win a medal in some of the events.”

Elwood, captain of Ulverston Amateur Swimming Club, is sponsored by thebodyrehab at Staveley, who look after his injury prevention and treatment, and he has had a sterling year, including winning seven gold medals at an international Catholic School’s event in France.

* To follow Joe’s progress at the UK School Swimming Games visit www.ukschoolgames.com/sports_swimming.php