May 4, 2018 12.00 pm This story is over 70 months old

Watch young Branston swimmer win gold

Branston teenager Maitiu number one in UK

A Branston teenager picked up gold medals in all eight races he entered at the East Midlands Regional Swimming Championships.

Maitiu Clarke, 12, is ranked number one in the UK for 200m backstroke and 400m freestyle and he qualified for 10 races at the championships.

The youngster competed in heats before choosing to enter eight races, winning golds in all of them, at Corby East Midlands International Pool, Corby, on Saturday and Sunday, April 28-29.

Maitiu also broke six county time records over the weekend, meaning he now holds 14 records overall.

Maitiu Clarke, 12, with his gold medals. Photo: Lincoln Pentaqua Swimming Club

Gold Medals

  • 50m Freestyle
  • 100m Freestyle
  • 200m Freestyle
  • 400m Freestyle
  • 50m Backstroke
  • 100m Backstroke
  • 200m Backstroke
  • 200m Individual Medley

Maitiu trains seven to eight times a week for Lincoln Pentaqua Swimming Club at the pool at Lincoln Christ Hospital School.

Maitiu’s father Gary Clarke told The Lincolnite: “Watching Maitiu race last weekend was quite emotional knowing the time and commitment he puts into every training session he attends. My wife and I were shaking with excitement.

“Pauline Gourley his Head Coach from Lincoln Pentaqua was delighted for him too. It was thrilling to see him swim so well.”

Maitiu Clarke, 12, at the Regional Championships. Photo: Lincoln Pentaqua Swimming Club