Canvey Island swimmer Ben Preston was ecstatic with the news of his qualifivcation for the British swimming Championships at Sheffield at Easter.
The 15-year-old sprint star earned his oprestigious call-up for the 50m freestyle event - his favoured stroke and distance - where he will almost certainly be up against another well-known Essex boy, former Borough of Southend world record holder and Olympian Mark Foster.
This year's British Championship doubles up as the Olympic, Paralympic and European Junior swimming trials with the finest this country has to offer to gain places in the Games team for Athens.
It's the highest ranking ever attained by a Canvey swimmer.
In addition, Preston was among 11 Canvey swimmers who were rejoicing with the news that they have been given a national ranking by the Amateur Swimming Association for swimming within the top 50 times in the country last year.
Head coach Rob Park said: "It's a marvellous achievement for those concerned who put in a phenomenal amount of hard work and commitment."
Published Wednesday January 21, 2004
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