New College student Joe Litchfield won four silver medals at the recent Youth Commonwealth Games in Samoa last month.
Following a week of intense training with Team England, Joe flew to Samoa and took part in the event where he swam in the 200 and 400 individual medley, the 4×100 and 4×200 freestyle relays.
The 17 year old, who studies Psychology, Physical Education and BTEC Applied Science recorded some excellent times over the year, but was only selected following the last minute injury of a team mate.
Joe said: “To be able to go and represent my country at such an event is amazing and to win four medals is absolutely breath-taking. It makes me want to strive to achieve more in the years to come and stay dedicated to my training and competing. In the future I would like to be representing my country at a senior level, whether that is the Olympics or the commonwealth games.”
He added: “The support I have is fantastic. The teachers at New College always support me, ask me how I’ve done and if I have anything else coming up in the future. They help me out a lot, they adjust deadlines for me so I can help it fit around my swimming. I got lead into swimming when I was younger by my parents. We found out that I had talent in it and now it’s paying off.”
Joe will now compete in the winter Yorkshire championships, as well as the North East regional championships at the end of November.
