A Frome swimmer is making waves internationally as he sets his sights on joining the Swedish national team and competing alongside some of the world’s best swimmers.
Hugo Jones, 18, who trains with Team Bath Academy Swimming, will fly to Sweden this weekend to compete in a major swim meet against top-level swimmers. Later this month, he will join a week-long training camp with the Swedish national and elite teams.
This follows Hugo’s first overseas competition in Stockholm earlier this year, where he competed against elite swimmers from across Europe. He is now aiming to represent Sweden at under-20/23 level and with an ultimate goal of gaining a place on the senior squad. Hugo’s mother is a Swedish citizen and he has dual nationality so that qualifies him to represent Sweden.
Hugo said, “Over the last few years my progress has been on an incline, with me competing at English and British championships and improving my times. This year I’ve been given the opportunity to train with the Swedish national and elite team, which is a fantastic opportunity. I’ll also be competing a lot more in Sweden.
“My aim is to break into the national team and compete for Sweden at the highest level.”
Hugo, who is currently taking a gap year to focus on his swimming, began his journey aged seven with Frome Swimming Club, training under coach Pete Billing. He quickly progressed through the ranks, and at 13, joined Team Bath Academy Swimming.
His father, David, added, “Hugo is currently training with the Swedish senior national team, and they are very keen on his times, ability and attitude.
“The long-term plan is to integrate Hugo into the national setup. Training alongside world-class swimmers is a big step up, but it’s only going to help him progress and achieve the goals he’s aiming for. Hugo is on a journey and has already made an impression on the national coaches.
“Before starting to compete at age nine, Hugo continued swimming with Frome until he was 13, when he joined Team Bath. His coach, Liam Willcox, has been an integral part of Hugo’s development and continues to work closely with the Swedish coaches, sharing updates and future plans. The national team has been very impressed with the partnership between Hugo and Liam.”
Hugo currently trains around 20 hours per week, with two-hour sessions every morning and evening, plus a four-hour block on Saturdays. Earlier this year, he won a silver medal at the Swim England South West Region Summer Championships in the 800m freestyle.
