Hulme Grammar School student Autum is crowned fastest 12-year-old swimmer in England

It's been a record-breaking week for Oldham Hulme Grammar School student Autum Claxton, who swam the 200m freestyle at the English Nationals, participating in the 12/13 category.

After giving her all in the finals, she achieved a personal best result and became a Bronze English Champion in the U13 category by finishing in 2 mins,13.64 seconds.

This result also meant that Autum was crowned the fastest 12-year-old swimmer in England.

Autum said: “Looking up at the boards after touching the wall was the most amazing feeling I’ve felt so far in the sport.

"I fist-bumped the air, looking at my family and coaches as if to say, I did it!

"I had just earned myself a three second PB and a Bronze medal as an English national.

"I was third in the U13s, but the fastest 12-year-old.

“It was the proudest moment, receiving my medal, and I felt my long term dreams of becoming a top swimmer were finally realised.

"I make so many sacrifices and train almost daily, sometimes twice daily.

"Winning that Bronze medal makes the 5am training sessions worth it.

“I’m now on rest for four weeks so it was a great finish to the swim season.

"Next I’ll be focussing on achieving Gold in my own age category, with plans to qualify for British Championships and hopefully move over to international competition.

“I would like to thank Dolphin Academy, my first swim development team, my current clubs, Chadderton ASC and Stockport Metro Swimming Club, who help me to reach my full potential, and my school, Oldham Hulme Grammar, for making allowances to help me progress.”

Anita Claxton, Autum’s mum, added: “To say we are proud is an understatement.”

Well wishes and congratulations flooded in from staff, parents and Hulmeians alike, testament to the hard work and dedication shown by Autum throughout her time at OHGS and at the Swimming Clubs.

The National Summer Meet, Swim England’s biggest domestic event, saw more than 1,000 young swimmers compete at Ponds Forge International Sports Centre in Sheffield, with both able bodied and para-swimming athletes taking part.

The event started on Wednesday (August 2) and runs until Sunday (August 6).

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