COUNTY swimming star Sam Downie has his sights on the Paralympics in 2024 after being named as Lothian Disability Sport’s (LDS) Sportsperson of the Year and being accepted into the British Para-Swimming World Class Programme.
Downie, a swimmer for Musselburgh Amateur Swimming Club, was born with caudal regression syndrome (or sacral agenesis) which mostly affects the 16-year-old’s back.
Downie said of his latest success: “It feels really good to be recognised with the award and be included on the programme.
“It’s reflected a busy year for me where I’ve swam for Great Britain at the World Championships and for Team Scotland at the Commonwealth Games.
“I was the youngest athlete at both of those competitions so for me it was mostly about finding my feet in those squads and picking up things from some of the very best swimmers.
“I learned a lot from both competitions.”
Being on the World Class Programme means Downie will receive opportunities and financial assistance from UK Sport through the programme’s Athlete Performance Award (APA).
He will also receive competition and training camp opportunities throughout the season, gain access to world-class sports science and medicine services, and be given support from British Para-Swimming performance staff and National Institute of Sport programmes.
Downie said: “It helps a lot, mostly with the costs of training for example but also gives me access to physios and training to help me get to a higher standard of swimming and to reach my potential.”
The programme helps develop swimmers for podium-style competitions including the Paralympics, which next take place in 2024, and Downie says it is a goal of his to be in the team.
READ MORE: County swimming starlet Sam Downie off to Commonwealth Games
He said: “It is something I’d like to do.
“It’s the highest level of competition and I’d love to be a part of it.
“I’d only be 18 as well when it takes place, so I’d still be young, but also it gives me time to be even better for when the competition comes around.
“I just need to keep working hard and making sure I keep improving.”
Sam’s mum Gillian said she was “really proud of Sam and all he’s achieved”.
“For a 16-year-old to be accepted onto the World Class Programme is a huge thing,” she added.
This year’s World Class Programme began on October 1 and will run until September next year.
Downie will be taking part in training camps over the coming months as part of the programme.
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