CITY of Ely Swimming Club s Jeffrey Hill has been selected for the British Open Water under-19 team. The 18 year-old from Doddington will compete in a 10k freestyle race in Italy in June. A top-three finish will see him go on to compete in an open water 1

CITY of Ely Swimming Club's Jeffrey Hill has been selected for the British Open Water under-19 team.

The 18 year-old from Doddington will compete in a 10k freestyle race in Italy in June.

A top-three finish will see him go on to compete in an open water 10k race in France in July.

Hill produced a sensational performance at the British Championships and Olympic Trials in Sheffield to secure his place on the plane to Italy.

He knocked 25 seconds off his personal best time to record 15:55:15 in a 1,500 metre heat race and then finished eighth in the final to gain qualification.

Hill said: "I've been feeling good about my long distance swims lately and been putting in a lot of hard work in training. I put in nine swimming sessions and three gym sessions every week and I feel fitter and better than ever."

Hill secured a scholarship at the prestigious Kelly College in Devon almost two years ago and is studying for a BTEC in Sports Science.

He regularly trains at City of Ely Swimming Club when he returns home.

Mother and coach Elaine Hill said: "Jeffrey has been on the fringes of international level for the last four years but this is the first time he has been selected to represent Britain and it's a massive step for him.

"Jeffrey is now on the verge of competing at senior level. He is hoping to keep on competing in the international Open Water circuit and secure qualification for the senior squad.

"His ultimate goal is the 2012 Olympic Games. It would be absolutely fantastic for him to compete in the Olympics in his own country.