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Harry Potter fan Stanley Summers works magic to win a double at British Down Syndrome Swimming Championships




A Harry Potter fan worked his magic after taking home two first place finishes at a national swimming competition.

Stanley Summers, from Brockdish, went up against some of the country’s top hopefuls at the annual British Down Syndrome Swimming Championships at the K2 Swimming Centre in Crawley.

Not only did he take top spot in two races, in one, he clocked the fastest time in the country for his age group (the senior 17 to 24 category).

Stanley Summers was victorious in two events. Picture: Contributed
Stanley Summers was victorious in two events. Picture: Contributed

The 21-year-old said: “I started swimming at around the age of three or four. I have practiced really hard.

“Swimming makes me feel energetic. I train three times a week in Lowestoft and Bungay and this was my second championships.”

Competing across five events, he won the 25-metre butterfly, with a time of 23.61 – a national record – and made it a double victory in the 25-metre breaststroke.

A member of Team Waveney Swimming Club, he also recorded two personal best times.

His mum, Erica, said: “There is a world tournament and Stanley may compete at this higher level.

“The gentleman who is the GB coach came around and talked to Stanley. It’s a possibility, if he works hard and continues to practice, that he could reach that level.

“I am just so proud of him in terms of how he conducts himself.

“He gave himself a talking to and found a competitive edge at this tournament.

“If he went on and competed at an international level, that would just be amazing.”

His dad, Jeremy, added: “He focused on the good, and his attitude was spot on. He had a real change in mentality during the competition.

“I am immensely proud of him. He had me in tears.”

The level two media student attends Suffolk New College, with Craig Shimmon, head of marketing, calling him an “inspiration to all the staff and students”.

The swimmer hopes to continue his rise and take his swimming to bigger stages.

He said: “I would like to thank my coaches, Richard and Brigit Evry, as well as my family for their support.

“I would love to go on and win a gold medal for Team GB. For me, it would be like being in a Harry Potter film.”

Next up for Stanley is a regional swimming event in Lowestoft in April.

That will then be followed by a national meet in November.

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