Hornchurch-based disability swimmer Callum Hanslip came back from the Double Dutch Open in Deventer with a six-medal haul.

The Havering Herons swimmer won a medal for each event entered and achieved six personal best times.

More importantly, Callum has increased his Lottery World Class Performance gradings and has narrowed the gap between the times needed to qualify for October's Paralympic Games in Sydney, Australia.

Callum has to make qualifying times between January and June and a tight schedule of competitions have been planned to maximise Callum's opportunity for success.

To make the most of the time available, Callum has recently moved to Brentwood Swimming Club where, under the guidance of coach Dave Pettingell and in liaison with Callum's permanent coach, Maurice Sly, a tough programme of training is under way.

Callum's dream has always been to swim at the Paralympics - the moment will soon be here where a dream can become a reality.

Competitions planned are: Ukranian National Disability Championships, Ukraine, February 19-20 with the Amateur Swimming Federation of Great Britain Team (provisional competition at this stage) BT Swimming Junior National Short Course Championships, March 4-5, Darlington. Danish Open National Disability Championships, March 11-12, Copenhagen, Denmark. Swedish Open Disability Championships, April 8-9, Stockholm, Sweden. Dutch Open Disability Championships, May 27-28, Amersfoot, Netherlands and finally the BT Swimming National Senior Long Course Championships in Sheffield on June 3-4 where the Paralympic team selection will take place.

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