BUDE para-swimmer, Adam Roebuck, has earned a place on the England Talent Development Programme for 2017 and finished second in his age group at the National Para-Swimming Championships in Manchester last weekend.

The 16-year-old was invited to attend a selection day in Coventry last month where his performance was tested by representatives from British Swimming. Adam achieved the required standards and has now been selected as part of the talent programme, therefore allowing him to compete at last weekend’s championship.

Classed as an S14 competitor, which means that he has an intellectual disability of less than 75 or limitations to their adaptive behaviour, Adam had a weekend to remember as he came second in his S14 aged 16 Men’s category, meaning he is at present the second best swimmer in the country for his age.

Taking part in five events, the 100m freestyle, 100m breaststroke, 200 IM (Individual Medley), 100m butterfly and 200m freestyle, Adam was given the chance to swim once, which was then used to judge his current ranking in both his category and age bracket.

Each event had over ten heats with eight lanes per race meaning there was plenty of competition, including the likes of Paralympic star, Jessica-Jayne Applegate.

However, Adam was in fine form, earning two fifths, two sixths and a seventh in the S14 category.

Talking about her son’s achievements, Adam’s mother Andrea Dailly said: “I’m immensely proud of Adam. He’s just a child from Bude and for him to be competing here is just amazing. He was racing against Paralympians and much more experienced competitors, so for him to do what he’s done is just incredible.

“Adam’s coach, Maggie Davies, is so pleased with him, and you can tell that he was doing well because the commentator kept mentioning his name throughout the races.

“He’s so humble and just gets on with his job, which is so good. He just loves swimming and we hope that he can continue to flourish.”

Adam currently trains approximately 13 hours a week at Bude Splash and Caradon Swimming Club whilst attending Duchy College where he studies agriculture. His passion and hard work over the last year has really paid off. He has added a huge number of medals to his ever growing collection at county, regional and national levels over the season.

Andrea continued: “I am incredibly proud of Adam and all he has achieved over the past year. He gets up every morning at 5.30am to go training, spends a full day at college and then jumps back in the pool in the evening. His dedication is admirable and I am so pleased that he has been rewarded with a place on the talent programme and such a brilliant result at these championships.”

Adam added: “I just love swimming. It is hard work but my coach, Maggie Davies, is very patient with me and I owe my success to her hard work and dedication too.”

Adam will travel to Bristol this week to compete for Caradon in a friendly before enjoying some time off over Christmas.

In the New Year Adam will resume his training for the Cornwall County Age Group and County Championships before looking forward to his next big event, the British Para-Swimming International Meet in Sheffield at the end of April.