TWO students from Millfield School have been selected for the Swim England junior squad for 2021-22.
Lower sixth students Matthew Cairns and Elliot Woodburn are two of 47 selections made nationally for the Swim England junior squad.
Matthew and Elliot join Old Millfieldians William Ellington, Joseph Deighan and Calvin Fry, who have also been selected onto the pathway.
They will be joined by Millfield Swimming's lead coach Rachel Aldington.
Alongside coaches from all over the country, she will share her insight and experience with Swim England's aspiring junior swimmers.
Being selected into the Swim England squad helps prepare swimmers for future international competitions and helps them gain valuable international and domestic racing experience.
Matthew and Elliot were selected after their success at the Swim England Short Course Winter Championships last year.
Elliot joined Millfield School, Street, in September 2021 to support his swimming and academic commitments.
He is studying A levels in design, business and PE.
He said: "Millfield has amazing facilities for swimmers and paired with an extremely dedicated and knowledgeable team of coaches, it makes the programme outstanding.
"I only joined in September but have already seen considerable improvements in my times, and working with my coach we have a clear path for further improvements and goals."
Matthew also joined Millfield in September, and he is studying A levels in chemistry, physics and maths.
"Millfield swimming is so special because of the expertise and world-class facilities every athlete has available," he said.
"Some of the best coaches in the country are paired with an outstanding training facility."
Lead swimming coach Rachel said: "I am excited to have been offered this opportunity.
"Being part of the team at Millfield has provided me with access to work alongside some great coaches and explore diverse conversations and ideas.
"I always enjoy absorbing different ideas and ways of working to ensure that I bring back the best fit for the programme that we provide to our students."
In July, former Millfield School student James Guy won an Olympic gold medal alongside Tom Dean, Matthew Richards and Duncan Scott in the men's 4x200 metres freestyle relay.
"Being a young lad I was dreaming of Olympic gold, that's all I've ever wanted in my life is to get that and now I've done it," he said.
"It just shows if you've got a plan, you work hard, when you believe in yourself it can happen."
Read more: Somerset's Tyrone Mings awarded honorary doctorate by Bath Spa University
Read more: Dan Thornburn starts as new head of Millfield Preparatory School
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