We're so proud of Smethwick resident, Kaiden Hitchins who is making waves in the swimming world.
At just 13, he's smashing records and topping the rankings in the UK in seven different disciplines, including 50m freestyle, 100m freestyle, 200m freestyle, 100m breast, 200m breast and 200m individual medley. Breaking records all whilst staying humble with the biggest smile.
Kaiden, who is from Smethwick, recently competed at the Sandwell Aquatics Centre in the Worcester County Championships, scooping an impressive 16 trophies and more success to his name.
He's only been swimming five years and has already been selected for the England pathway, which will hopefully take him to the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.
Tim (Kaiden’s dad) has stated that some of Kaiden’s competition wins have been against swimmers who are a lot older - some of them in their 20s.
But the winning isn’t Kaiden’s main drive. He said: “What I love most about swimming is the friendships and the fun that you make along the way. I love competing with my friends, I love having fun, I love racing. It’s just a great sport to be involved with.”
Kaiden received funding from our Gifted and Talented Programme which supports aspiring athletes to fulfil their potential. We're all right behind you, Kaiden!