Local swimmer Joe is the UK’s number one

Bassetlaw Sports Awards 2012 with special guest, Mark Foster, an Olympian, European and Commonwealth Medallist and Olympic Games TV presenter and Crystal Lane, Olympic 2012 cyclist. Sportsman of the Year under 14, Joseph Seage, Swimming

Joe Seage, who represents both Worksop Dolphins and Nova Centurion Squad, competed alongside stars of the London 2012 Paralympics, at the British International Swimming Championships at Ponds Forge last month.

And like his heroes Ollie Hynd and Charlotte Henshaw, Seage secured a place in this year’s World Championships.

The Babworth teenager, who trains in Worksop and Retford, was in 50m, 100m and 200m freestyle action, as well as the 100m breaststroke.

He won three heats, setting personal best times in each, and qualified for three finals – with more personal bests recorded.

The performance pushed him to the top of the rankings for his age, in the S14 category.

A spokesperson for Worksop Dolphins Swimming Club lauded the youngster’s achievements: “Joe is a lovely lad and a committed member of the swimming squad, who works very hard and thoroughly deserves his achievements.”

Thirty countries’ sent Paralympic squads to the event at Ponds Forge in a bid to secure qualifying times for the World Championships later this year.