T Level student and talented swimmer Jon Thring surged past rivals to clinch gold in the 17+ 800m freestyle event at the English National Swim Championships in Sheffield recently.
The Education and Childcare learner, who has just started his second year of study at Brock, recorded a season’s best time of 8.42.34.
Brockenhurst resident, Jon, who previously attended Priestlands School, is a member of Seagulls Swimming Club and trains in New Milton and Christchurch.
He is also a member of the Hampshire Talented Athlete Scheme, which is supported by Hampshire County Council.
Jon said: “After coming fourth the day before by just 0.15 seconds, I really felt the pressure to perform.
“I planned the entire race with my coach the day before and felt great during the warm up.
“When I got behind the blocks to start, I noticed that the swimmer next to me was the one who beat me in the 400m, which raised the pressure even more.
“But I felt I had never been so ready and so focused, and I didn’t know if I was ahead during the race.
“To look around and see I finished first felt incredible – it meant so much to show that all the work had paid off.”
Jon recently completed his Level 1 swim coaching qualification and is a keen tennis player and coach as well.
