Dorset club BCS is celebrating the success of Leo McCrea who swam his way to a gold medal in the SB5 100m Breaststroke in the final at this year’s Paralympics. Following a great start, Leo was two metres ahead after the first length and determinedly held off the competition to claim gold in 1:27.15 and his first Paralympic medal.
Leo, though sporting the Swiss team colours (his mother’s nationality), is coached by James Ryan and still undertakes all his pool training at Bournemouth Collegiate School where he was a former pupil, while Strength & Conditioning is provided at Bournemouth University where he is now a student. A truly home-grown talent!
BCS Head Coach, Sam Woodward, commented: “We’re over the moon for Leo – what an achievement. It’s such a fitting result for an extremely talented swimmer – it’s been a pleasure to watch him grow and develop through his journey from training at BCS Prep, through to BCS Senior and beyond.”
Alice Tai, another ex-pupil and former BCS swimmer, also made a remarkable come-back in Paris less than three years on from major surgery by clocking up five medals in five events and winning the Women’s S8 100 Backstroke in a Paralympic record time of 1:09.06.
On the home front, congratulations must also go to BCS SC which has been nominated for the Swim England South West Swimming Club of the Year 2024. The National Awards take place on 28 September.