A YOUNG swimming sensation earned a national squad selection after a series of fine performances over the summer.

Zach Speakman, a Year 11 pupil at Rydal Penrhos School in Colwyn Bay, has been selected to the Swim Wales Youth Development squad and will now attend a number of training days ahead of an upcoming international meet.

The 15-year-old secured his call-up after achieving a top-12 United Kingdom ranking in at least one event, and there was further cause for celebration for the sports scholar thanks to an outstanding effort at the British Championships in Sheffield.

The talented pupil competed in four individual events and managed to secure personal best times in each category, in addition to reaching the final in both the 200 metre and 400m individual medley despite being one of the youngest in his category against the best young swimmers anywhere in the country.

He followed this up with a sensational medal haul at the National Welsh Summer Championships, where Zach managed to collect three gold medals and a silver thanks to an exceptional display in the water.

This performance saw Zach achieve ninth place in the UK ranking in both the 200m and 400m Individual Medley, which played a huge contributing factor in his selection.

Allen Boyd, director of sport at Rydal Penrhos, said: “Zach’s training regime is very strenuous and it is great to see all the early morning sessions and his overall dedication paying off with another deserved national squad selection.

“He is one of many sports scholars at Rydal Penrhos that are thriving on the national and international stage, and everyone at the school is absolutely thrilled with his progress at the start of what will hopefully be a glittering career in the sport.”