Lewis aims for Olympic glory (From Bury Times)

Lewis aims for Olympic glory

7:07am Wednesday 24th October 2007

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A YOUNG swimmer who began his training in Ramsbottom could make a big splash at the 2012 Olympics.

Lewis Coleman, a former member of the Ramsbottom Rascals swimming club, has been invited into the UK training squad for the London games.

Step-dad Joe Coleman (48), an army sergeant major, said: "His interest started at Ramsbottom. It was those guys that really set him on the path. They were responsible for recognising his talents and nurturing them. Without their encouragement he wouldn't be doing what he's doing now."

Lewis lived in Victoria Street, Tottington, and went to Greenmount Primary School. He moved with mum Maggie to Suffolk four years ago and has since won a haul of medals with Team Ipswich.

He trains everyday, clocking up about 19 hours in the pool every week. His coach, Dave Champion, previously coached Karen Pickering to world championship gold medals.

Fifteen-year-old Lewis is currently ranked number one in the UK for the 200m breast stroke for his age group and has now been invited on to the 2012 Olympic Training Squad by the British Amateur Swimming Association.

Grandparents Jack and Jean Preston live in Brooklands Road, Holcombe Brook.

Jean (72) said: "We're thrilled for him because he has really worked hard for this. He always loved going swimming pool, right from when his mum used to take him to Ramsbottom Pool when he was little.

Now he gets up at 4.30am every morning to swim and goes back again after school. He is just completely dedicated to it."

Lewis writes regularly to his former coaches at Ramsbottom.

Rascals' Derek Bevin said: "After 26 years with the Rascals I can recognise that X factor talent - a natural fluidity and sense of movement in the water - and Lewis had it. He is an extraordinary swimmer and he was never shy of hard work. It's great to see that he is reaching the level he is capable of."

Lewis is now hoping to secure additional sponsorship to assist with training expenses.

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