A Burton Borough pupil has his eyes set on racing in the World Championships after competing alongside Britain’s top Paralympic swimmer Sascha Kindred.
Ben Rowlings, aged 13, rubbed shoulders with six-time Paralympic gold medallist Kindred at the Nationwide Short Course Championships held in Sheffield last weekend.
The Newport Swimming Club teenager, who was representing the West Midlands, set three personal bests in his four events - 50m freestyle, 200m individual medley, 400m freestyle and 100m freestyle.
The competition is split up into categories depending on disability rather than age, meaning young Ben was competing against top athletes from around the country, some more than double his years.
“Ben did very well and he’s absolutely loving it,” said his mum Claire.
“This was his first major competition so he was just looking to improve - and setting three PBs is excellent.
“He was competing against some of the best and just to meet them was a wonderful experience.
“He’s met Sascha many times because he’s a West Midlands swimmer and he’s an inspiration.
“Sascha is off to Rio de Janeiro next week for the World Championships and that is Ben’s aim for the future.
“He wants to go to all the exotic places. Who wouldn’t?”
Ben, who has cerebral palsy, is now gearing up for the regional championships in January.
