Jack’s in the swim for a golden future

IT may be pushing it for Jack Howard to make the cut for this summer’s London Olympics, and the Rio games in four years time may come a little too soon....after all, he’ll still only be 14 in 2016.
By The Newsroom
Published 28th Mar 2012, 17:37 BST

But remember the name in 2020, because young Jack from Catterall is a genuine prospect for Olympic medal glory in the pool.

The 10-year-old Kirkland and Catterall St Helen’s pupil has just won two gold and two silver medals in the Lancashire County Championships, where he found himself up against the top young swimmers from the north west, including from Liverpool, Manchester, Salford and Preston.

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Jack, who also has a younger brother Max, age 5, and older sister Jamie-Lea, age 18, won in both breaststroke and butterfly, and picked up silver in the 50m butterfly and 200m backstroke.

The Preston Swimming Club member is no stranger to success, and has plenty of trophies to show for his talents, including a further seven gold medals at another recent event in Wigan.

He trains at least five times a week, including a 6am start on Saturday mornings in the pool, followed by further gym training and then, just for good measure, Jack also turns out for Myerscough Juniors football team in the afternoon.

Proud mum and dad Claire and Steve, of Boyes Avenue, Catterall, are delighted with his progress and his latest achievement in his biggest competition yet.

“Jack really loves his swimming’’ said Claire. “He is already close to regional qualifying times for the 12 years age group and his coaches seem to be very pleased with him.’’

Related topics:CatterallPrestonSalfordManchesterLiverpool