Autistic Sussex teenager wins swimming gold

George Clarke was presented with the trophy for top male junior swimmer at the Mid Sussex Marlins Disability Gala.

Thirteen-year-old George, of Meiros Way, Ashington, has autistic spectrum disorder.

He won all of his events at the gala held in the Olympos Triangle, in Burgess Hill.

Family's pride

"He has been swimming virtually all his life but he started going to swimming clubs when he was seven years old," said his dad, Tim Clarke.

"He has had success before, he has won events around the south east of England, but this is the first time he has done that well.

"Considering his difficulties, we are very proud of him.

"I watched him go out and compete in all six races and he just kept winning, it was amazing."

Training

George, a pupil at Steyning Grammar School, trains three times a week with Horsham's Atlantis Swimming Club and competes with the Sussex Squids.

As well as winning the 25- metre and 50-metre freestyle, 25-metre breaststroke, 25-metre backstroke, freestyle relay and medley relay during the gala, he also set personal best times in each event.

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