Record breaker heads to Athens (From Barry And District News)

Record breaker heads to Athens

A BARRY swimmer has broken a national record and glided into the Olympic team.

David Davies turned 19 on March 3, but at the British trials in Sheffield he not only smashed through the qualifying time for the 1500 metre freestyle, but set a new best of 14 minutes 57.93 seconds.

The former St Baruc's pupil will now represent his country at the Athens Olympics this August.

Grandparents Esme and Brian Stark have always been proud of David's competitive spirit and sheer determination to be the best.

Esme, who is a keen swimmer herself said: "David has been interested in swimming since he was seven-years old. Even when we went on holiday and I would challenge him to a race in the hotel pool, I could see his drive to win."

David's parents, NHS employee Susan and Dow Corning worker Paul, are delighted with their son's successes.

Brian added: "Like most top sporting people, David is very level-headed and focused. He is absolutely dedicated to his sport."

The family has paid tribute to David's coach, Dave Hellar. Brian added: "The two have a strong understanding. Dave has trained many champions, and it looks like he's got another one on his hands."

But the young athlete has had an uphill struggle finding places to train. Esme said: "Last year David covered 3 million meters in training, but since they pulled down the Empire Pool, there is nowhere in the region for him to practice. It's terrible, but perhaps now he has done so well, we might see a few investments in the facilities for our young sportsmen and women have at hand."

David is currently in Dunkirk, France, but is due back in Pencoedtre by the end of the month.