Blind teenage swimmer aims for GB squad

A Spofforth teenager has won sponsorship to help him in his bid to become a GB Paralympic swimmer.

Archie Hare 13, has gold, silver and bronze medals at Junior Nationals and more to his name and despite the pandemic, his dad Charlie says he is determined to represent his country.

“Archie is dedicated to his swimming and absolutely loves it,” said Charlie, of his son who is blind and has no perception of light.

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“His one and only ambition is simple - he wants to make the GB para squad and compete for GB at international and Olympic level.”

Archie, who is coached at Richmond Dales ASC and swims four sessions a week at Catterick and Richmond, has been chosen for the Para England Talent Pathway along with 35 others nationwide.

And he has recently been awarded a grant for top young sports people from Scarborough95 Sports Trust, through SportsAid, which will aid his training and competition needs.

Charlie added: “His future in the sport is very bright thanks to all the support he receives, his attitude to the sport and training but made even brighter thanks to the very generous Sports Aid award.

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“The aim is for Archie to qualify for the GB squad as soon as possible.”

Archie, who also won medals at the nationals in Sunderland before lockdown, has been awarded a sports scholarship to Sedbergh School - a first for an individual sport in their very long history.

He moves to Sedbergh from his current school in Aysgarth, in September where they have an ex GB swimming coach and will work closely with his current coaching team at RDASC, Zoe Cowan and Keith Hall.

“His school have been so supportive with allowing him the time to train and attend galas and competitions,” explained Charlie.

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“His swimming teacher and head of sport at Aysgarth School, Gordon MacLelland has also helped develop his swimming and land training.”

Mel Welch, Chairman of Scarborough95 Sports Trust added: “We aim to give our outstanding young performers every chance to fulfil their potential.

“Often they have to undertake long journeys to attend training sessions and major competitions, as well as all the other essential costs of being an elite athlete.”