Adam Wilkes

Sports Award

Age:

24

Biography

Adam Wilkes is 18 years old & from Barrow, Leicestershire and is another one of the current crop of talented young swimmers in the city and county. Having started to learn to swim when 4 years old, Adam then joined Loughborough Town Swim Club when he was 8 years old. He was then invited to join the City Of Leicester as part of the Talent pathway for Leicestershire ASA. In 2017, Adam was part of the Beacon programme, which is part of the Regional Talent Pathway for Swim England.

Adam is ranked in the top twelve in the country for his age, and has now moved into the senior age group. His big ambition is to make GB finals and get selected to represent my country on the international stage. To continue to compete at this level, there are numerous expenses such as race trunks (can cost £200), competition fees, hotel and travel expenses.

Out of the pool, he's just completed an Advanced Apprenticeship in Sporting Excellence, which is invitation only based on national ranking. In addition, Adam is currently completing his Assistant Coaching course, which will enable him to give something back to the sport, and inspire the next generation of young swimmers.

Adam said: '

I am currently training 9 times a week (18 hours) and 4 land training sessions, whilst also doing my A-levels. To achieve my goal of representing my country, I need to improve my ranking which, not only means training hard for fitness and technique, but also travelling around the country competing against the best in the country. I have currently qualifies for the Edinburgh International meet in March this year. The JHMT Inspire grant will help with all the various expenses incurred in competing, i.e. nutrition, entry fees, equipment, hotels and travel expenses, and keep my journey alive. My parents have already invested so much over the years, it would be nice if I could share some of the burden. '

Simon Taylor, Inspire Lead, said; ' It is great to see that not only is Adam achieving great things in his own right but he is also set a direct example to others through his leadership and coaching activities.'