Connor Stuart returns from CPISRA World Games laden with medals

City of Cambridge Swimming Club member bags multiple spots on the podium

Connor Stuart was ecstatic after exceeding all of his expectations and claiming a medal of each colour at the CPISRA World Games.

The 15-year-old swimmer recorded two personal bests as he took home a gold, silver and bronze medal from Sant Cugat, just outside Barcelona in Spain.

Almost 600 athletes with cerebral palsy from more than 20 countries were in action in swimming, athletics and football alongside development camps for boccia, wheelchair slalom and women’s football.

And Stuart’s exploits helped Team CP England finish top of the medal table at the conclusion of the competition.

“I had so much support from people helping me to get out to the games, I wanted to come out, do my best and make myself and them all proud,” said Stuart, who began training with City of Cambridge Swimming Club’s para squad in 2013.

“I never dreamed I would be standing on the podium listening to the national anthem with a gold medal around my neck. It was the best feeling ever.

“I couldn’t have asked for better results and have had a brilliant experience and made some great friends too.”

Stuart first took bronze in the men’s S6 50m freestyle, slicing almost 1.5sec off his entry time for a personal best of 48.69sec.

The teenager then stormed ahead to seize gold by almost two seconds in the men’s S6 100m backstroke.

And Stuart completed his medal hat-trick by taking silver in the men’s 100m freestyle as he chopped a huge five seconds off his previous best.