Access Sport College Podcast: Student William Ellard | Team GB Para Swimmer

At Just 17 years of age Lowestoft student and St Felix Swimming Clubs William Ellard beat the world record holder and paralympic medalist, as he burst onto the scene claiming two gold medals on his international debut at the Citi Para World Series in Sheffield.

Qualifying for 2023 Para Swimming World Championships in Manchester and representing Team GB ‪@Aquatics_GB‬ for the first time, William once again delivered with the team, becoming a World Champion and two time silver medalist.

With his focus now on qualifying for the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris (at the time this podcast was produced) our media student James Callagher caught up with Will and his tutor Gaven to to chat all about his breakthrough year, life as an elite swimmer, the dedication required, his support network and his amazing achievements to date.

Breakthrough Year Achievements

World Medals
2 Gold at Citi Para Swimming World Series in Sheffield - May 2023
1 Gold & 2 Silver at the Manchester 2023 Para Swimming World Championships
1 Silver at Citi Para World Series Berlin - Nov 2023
2 Gold & Silver at Citi-Para Swimming Series - Aberdeen - Jan 2024

Swim England Short Course National Winter Champs (at time of podcast)
100m Freestyle:- Gold (GB S14 record) (unofficial World record
200m Freestyle:- Gold (GB S14 record) (unofficial World record)
400m Freestyee:- Gold (GB S14 record) (unofficial World record)
100m Fly:- Gold (GB S14 record) 200m IM:- Gold (GB S14 record)
100m Backstroke:- Silver
100m Breaststroke:- Silver

Personal Accolades
Citi World Para Series:- Junior Male Athlete Of The Year
Invited to the BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2023
British Swimming Awards Emerging Athlete Of The Year:- runner up November
Everyone Active Awards National Champion Of The Year:-runner up
Active Suffolk Awards Young Athlete Of The Year:- runner up

Will is a an amazing student who is so humble in his achievements and true inspiration to his peers. A fantastic young man with his head firmly on his shoulders and we are sure will have an amazing career as an elite swimmer.

#britishswimming #teamgb #eliteathlete #studentsuccess #furthereeducation #careersinsport #paris2024 #paralympics #futurestars