David Hill youngest ever qualifier for British Paralympic Team

Results

David came 8th in 1.10.18 in the final of the 100m Backstroke.  David swam extremely well to qualify for the final and being the youngest Paralympic in the British Team, this experience will augur well for the next Paralympics.  David has also been voted 'Swimmer of the Year' for Devon County for the second year running.

Click here to view messages of best wishes sent to David 

David's swimming timetable for the Paralympics

Thursday 23rd September - 200m Individual Medley
Saturday 25th September - 100m Backstroke (David's best event)
Monday 27th September - 34 point freestyle relay

1st - 2nd May, 2004

Fifteen year old David Hill from Kelly College has become the youngest ever qualifier for the British Paralympic Team destined for Athens this summer.  David, who is coached by former Olympic swimmer and Director of Swimming at Kelly College, Robin Brew, was in top form at this weekends British Paralympic Swimming Trials held in Sheffield.

David competing in his main event, the 100m Backstroke, on day 1 of the Trials,  bettered the Olympic qualifying standard by 0.9 seconds in a time of 68.54.  David’s new time for the 100m backstroke represents an improvement of 12% in just under a year, a phenomenal feat when the national average improvement forecast for competitive swimmers is between 3-4%.

Coach, Robin Brew, attributes David’s success to a very determined and structured approach to hit his target.  David is missing his left arm just below the elbow joint and we have had to develop special starting and turning techniques which assist with his disability.  David has proved to be one of the fastest starters in the world and currently holds the world record for the 50m backstroke which is not included in the Olympic programme.  David has also worked hard to improve his leg kick on backstroke, which has made a tremendous difference to sustaining his swimming speed over the 100metres.

David will return to his Olympic preparation training this week with a goal of making an Olympic final.  David is currently ranked 5^th in the world for the 100m Backstroke and is within striking range of the medals.

With up to four hours a day swimming training and 4-5 hours a week land training, David aims to better his outstanding performances already achieved.  David also competed with distinction in the 200m Individual Medley, producing a 10 second personal best time, and other best times were recorded in the 100m Freestyle, 100m Butterfly, 100m Breaststroke and the 50m Freestyle.

Top of page