Poole swimmer has his eyes set on gold at this year’s Paralympic Games
A Paralympian from Poole is looking to bring back gold this summer on behalf of Switzerland
A professional swimmer from Poole says he’s in the 'form of his life' heading into the Paralympic Games in Paris this summer.
Leo McCrea, 20, won bronze in the European Championships two weeks ago and placed second in the World Championships last year.
He told us: “The Paralympics is something I've dreamt of since I started swimming and now it’s happening, it feels amazing.”
“My training schedule has been intense and I’ve had to be really dedicated and focussed for Paris so I can get that gold medal I’ve always wanted.
Leo was born with Achondroplasia, a form of restricted growth, and began competitive swimming at the age of eight when he was spotted by the mother of multiple gold medallist Ellie Simmonds, who encouraged him to join a swimming club.
Since then, he’s taken to it like a duck to water specialising in the 100-metre breaststroke and being widely regarded as one of the favourites going into the games.
He said: “All the support I've had leading up to games has been incredible, of course I feel some nerves but I think once I’m in the Olympic Village I’ll just be really excited.”
Leo’s swimming coach, James Ryan told us: “We always talk about legacy and I hope Leo has the same impact on somebody else as Ellie Simmonds had on him.
“I hope he can be that beacon of light for someone and just shows people that even in the face of adversity, success can come in any way, shape or form.”
The 20-year-old is one of the favourites heading into Paris but unfortunately for Team GB he will be representing his mother’s country of Switzerland.
James added: “Leo is a racer. He absolutely loves getting his hat and goggles on and competing but I'm prouder of watching him become the person that he is and getting the privilege of seeing him progress as a human being.”