The budding Paralympian won a total of 4 gold medals, 1 silver and 1 bronze. The event was Jason’s first opportunity to race against some of the best para swimmers in the country as well as battling it out for top spot against Paralympic swimmers who represented Team GB in the Paris Paralympics.

NewVIc Level 2 Sport student Jason, who is a part of the national performance squad, recently competed in the Aquatics GB Winter Para Swim held in Birmingham in November 2024.

The budding Paralympian won a total of 4 gold medals, 1 silver and 1 bronze. The event was Jason’s first opportunity to race against some of the best para swimmers in the country as well as battling it out for top spot against Paralympic swimmers who represented Team GB in the Paris Paralympics.

Jason completed a fantastic swim in the 100m butterfly where he beat Paralympian Cameron Verncombe, who represented Team GB. Jason not only represented the Newham and University of East London Swimming Club, but also the London Borough of Newham at this event.

Jason also participated in the GoCardless Swim England National Winter Championships in Sheffield earning himself another bronze medal in the 200m individual medley in December 2024.

Alongside navigating life with autism, Jason has been swimming from a very young age. With stats showing more than one in 100 people are on the autism spectrum in the UK, Jason’s achievements highlight that with the right support and determination you can succeed in whatever you put your mind to; studying sports, being a competitive swimmer and aspiring to represent Team GB at the next Paralympics is possible. Jason is currently being monitored by Swim England and Aquatics GB who both aim to take him to the next level and onto the Paralympics in Los Angeles in 2028.

Shane Rancic, Curriculum Manager for Sport & Humanities, commented:

“Jason qualified for five events at the Aquatics GB Winter Para Meet held in Birmingham in November 2024. Jason trained incredibly hard and this was a great opportunity to further cement himself in the Para Swimming Circuit. Jason is currently being monitored by Swim England and Aquatics GB and with joint aims to reach the LA 2028 Paralympics. The Aquatics GB Winter Para event was a great opportunity to get his name out there and show the governing bodies what he can do.

Having won 4 Gold, 1 Silver and 1 Bronze medal at the event he has done incredibly well. We are thrilled with his progress. He is a very dedicated student and this is reflected in his swimming. The Sports Department will be supporting and rooting for Jason to go as far as he possibly can and look forward to seeing him represent Team GB if he continues on the current trajectory.”

For more information about NewVIc’s Sport courses and how to apply visit here.