SWIMMING star Sam Craddock claimed two medals in his first major championships at Crawley.

Dorchester sensation Craddock, 15, swam his heart out at the K2, taking silver and bronze at the British Down Syndrome Swimming Championships.

Strict rules at the event unfortunately disqualified Craddock from the backstroke and breaststroke due to infringements on the touch turns.

However, the Dorset teenager excelled in the freestyle events, winning his bronze in the 25m race and silver in the 200m.

Speaking to Echosport, proud mum Annette said: “He’s really doing well. He’s got quite a bright little future ahead of him with swimming.

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“He’s been in the water since he was three months. He just loves being in the water, swimming in the sea any time of year.

“He’s always enjoyed his classes up at 1610.”

West Dorset Swimming Club member Craddock has been coached by Andrea Dabbs at Dorchester Sports Centre – a factor Annette attributed to Sam’s success.

She added: “Originally, he was with the Aiming High scheme, which is for special needs kids.

“The swimming scheme he’s been doing for four or five years now, he’s really thrived.

“It was August last year that his swimming teacher suggested he do a trial for West Dorset Swimming Club and they noted he was a good swimmer.

“He’s gone through the first three pre-training squads and is now in a junior development squad. He’s done a couple of galas with them.

“His coaches are really proud of what he’s been doing.

“It’s going to be an annual event for Down Syndrome kids nationwide, to do these races and get experience.

“It was an amazing event to watch, a very proud mummy moment. It was quite overwhelming, really.

“I know he’s a good swimmer but for other people from other clubs to see him swimming and to do so well, was just amazing.

“He’s not diving yet, which is another skill he’s got to learn. He’s at the beginning of his journey.”