The younger swimmer Zach Speakman, a Year 11 pupil at Rydal Penrhos, has been selected to the Swim Wales Youth Development squad and will now attend a number of training days ahead of an upcoming international meet.
The 15-year-old secured his call-up after achieving a top 12 United Kingdom ranking in at least one event, and there was further cause for celebration for the sports scholar thanks to his performances at the British Championships in Sheffield.
The pupil competed in four individual events and secured personal best times in each category, in addition to reaching the final in both the 200m and 400m individual medley, despite being one of the youngest in his category.
Everyone at the school is absolutely thrilled with his progress at the start of what will hopefully be a glittering career in the sport – Director of Sport, Allen Boyd
He also collected medals at the National Welsh Summer Championships, including three gold medals and a silver, achieving ninth place in the UK ranking in the 200m and 400m Individual Medley.
Director of Sport, Allen Boyd, said: “Zach’s training regime is very strenuous and it is great to see all the early morning sessions and his overall dedication paying off with another deserved national squad selection.
“He is one of many sports scholars at Rydal Penrhos that are thriving on the national and international stage, and everyone at the school is absolutely thrilled with his progress at the start of what will hopefully be a glittering career in the sport.”
Speakman’s success is a fantastic example of Rydal Penrhos’ sports scholarship programme, which provides support to pupils in terms of guidance, seminars and work in the gym with the school’s dedicated strength and conditioning staff.
