Mark Tompsett in GB Paralympics squad

Congratulations to Mark Tompsett on being selected to represent Great Britain at this year’s Paralympics. 

The following article was published in the Chorley Guardian.

Chorley swimmer Mark Tompsett in GB Paralympics squad

2024 just gets better for Chorley's European swimming champion Mark Tompsett, who has been selected to represent Great Britain at this year’s Paralympics.

Seventeen-year-old Mark, who won gold and broke the British record in the 100m backstroke at the Para Swimming European Open Championships in April, has been named in a 26-strong GB swim squad for Paris.

It continues the rapid rise of the teenager who entered his first major international competition in February – a Para World Series event in Aberdeen, where he won two gold and two bronze medals.

And after that record time of 59.53 in a British one-two at the Europeans in Madeira, Mark has been named among 15 debutants for Paris, where he will compete on September 6.

Mark, who is autistic and races in the S14 category for athletes with an intellectual impairment, has been swimming since he was two. He will always be grateful to the Chorley Marlins club and to the Bolton Metro squad, which he joined aged nine.

Having competed in the World Para Series again over the past week in Berlin, Mark is looking forward to the British Championships in Sheffield before linking up with his Paralympic teammates in London for final preparations.

Delighted mum Nicola told the Guardian: “We couldn't get Mark into water at first because he was troubled with ear infections but he joined the Marlins and came to love swimming, which helped him to stay calm.

“He competed at their galas from the age of eight and is still a member, though the Bolton club is a higher level.

“Mark was only classified internationally in January, so everything is still sinking in but we're over the moon.”

It's possible Mark may compete in more than one event in Paris as Nicola explained: “He could progress within the team and there are opportunities in relays.

“He was good at freestyle and fly but the backstroke came naturally to him. Being above water, he doesn't have to worry about his breathing. And his size helps – at 6ft 3ins, Mark is a big chap. We’re getting the Union Jacks printed ready for Paris.”

Tompsett is the second Chorley swimmer bound for France, with freestyle specialist and Tokyo relay gold medallist Anna Hopkin set for her second Olympics.