A YOUNG Evesham swimmer – one of Britain’s fastest 12-year-old 50m freestyler’s – is set to represent his hometown at a national competition this summer.
Milton Xavier Yau, aged 12, earned himself the joint-fastest title after winning the discipline at the West Midlands Regional Championships at Sandwell Aquatics Centre in May.
He competed in 13 events over the competition, earning himself 10 medals with three gold, five silver and two bronze.
Milton managed to hold onto his 100m freestyle title, making him reigning regional champion in this event for three consecutive years.
He also won the 50m and 1500m freestyle events. Winning the 50m freestyle with a time of 27.29 seconds meant he had matched the number one British ranked swimmer, Jason Li, for his age in the discipline.
The pair have since been pipped to top spot by fellow 12-year-old Ewan Dyer who recorded a 27.07 second time in a lower level licensed swim meet in Liverpool.
Following the regional championships, Milton has now qualified for seven events at this years GoCardless Swim England National Summer Meet (July 29 – August 3) at Ponds Forge International Sports Centre, Sheffield.
This is Swim England’s biggest domestic swimming event of the year. Only the top ranked swimmers in the nation from each age group will be selected to take part in this prestigious event.
Milton will be swimming in the 100m, 200m, 400m, 800m, 1500m freestyle, and 200m and 400m Individual Medley.
He has also qualified for this years Open Water National Age Group Championships to be held at Rother Valley, Sheffield on July 26.
Milton currently swims for both Evesham Swimming Club and City of Coventry Swimming Club. He is Evesham Running Club’s first ever regional champion.
He would like to extend his gratitude to all his coaches, his sponsors and supporters. Milton added: “None of this would’ve been possible if it wasn’t for all your kind support and generosity.”
Milton’s father, Dennis Yau, told the Obsever: “We can not be more proud of what Milton has achieved to date. Hopefully there will be more success stories to share as we travel along Milton’s swim journey.”
Visit www.swimmingresults.org/12months/last12.php for more information.
