A boy from Wandsworth has won two gold medals at the National Swimming Championships this August.
Sonny Thomas, 16, from Earlsfield, put in a spectacular performance in both the 400m and 800m freestyle, winning gold in both events, smashing his personal best times and also the all-time records at Leander Swimming Club where he trains.
Sonny said: “It was an amazing feeling, just because I didn’t expect it. My whole family was watching too, either at the pool or on TV, so that was pretty cool – and I have to thank them, my coach Edgar and the whole Leander coaching team for everything.”
Leander Swimming Club from left: James Dakin, Sonny Thomas, Edgar Andrade (Coach), Jessica To and Alexander Lawrie
This summer, Leander Swimming Club, based in Ernest Bevin College, Beechcroft Road, Tooting, had six swimmers competing in the English and British Championships, having never before had swimmers at the National events.
Coach Edgar Andrade said: “This season couldn’t be better for us at Leander. After the challenges of COVID, and our swimmers never having made the nationals before, to have six swimmers at these events was incredible.
“This is a testament to the hard work of our swimmers and the expertise and dedication of our coaching team. We are so excited for the new season which is now starting.”
“The first big event of the new season is another first for Leander – The World Downs Syndrome Championship, where our swimmer Amalia Freeland will be competing.”
Leander is one of the largest swimming clubs in South London with over 300 swimmers in the academy and 170 in competitive squads and fitness swimming.
Pictured top: Sonny Thomas with a Swim England Official (Picture: Ian Thomas)
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