A 12-year-old Harrogate district para swimmer won an impressive 20 medals last year and has just competed in a world class swimming series.
Sid Roskilly, who is from Marton-le-Moor, between Boroughbridge and Ripon, has achondroplasia, which is a form or dwarfism.
He was classified as an s6 para swimmer in December 2022 and despite his age has already competed all over the world.
Sid was inspired to begin competitive swimming at the Dwarf Sports Association UK’s national games. A friend introduced him to Richmond Dales Amateur Swimming Club’s para squad and he began training there aged 11 in July 2022.
Last year was a busy time for Sid — he won 20 medals in total, including six gold, eight silver and six bronze as well as setting multiple personal bests.
He won the medals at range of competitions, including the Dwarf Sports Association UK’s national games in Birmingham in May, National Junior Para-Swimming championships in Coventry in June, the World Dwarf Games in Cologne, Germany in July and the north west and north east para swimming regional championships in Manchester in September.
Sid Roskilly swimming at Coventry. Image: David Linney Photography
Sid was then out of action due to surgery for a few weeks and helped local fundraising group Boroughbridge Lions raise money with its sleigh run in December, after it supported him when he went to the the World Dwarf Games.
His latest competition was the Citi Para Swimming World Series in Aberdeen at the start of this month, which took place from February 1 to 4 at the Aberdeen Sports Village’s aquatics centre.
Sid said:
“It was a great week of competing, I really enjoyed it and was really happy with how I did.”
As one of the youngest competitors, Sid took part in five heats in which he achieved five personal bests and competed in one British final.
Mum Christina said:
“For him to have the opportunity and experience of competing at the same event as some of the top elite para swimmers was amazing. He has gained so much experience and learnt so much from it.”
Sid has another busy year ahead including Richmond Dales Amateur Swimming Club’s April Fool’s Gala, the Dwarf Sports Association national games and the national junior para swimming championships.
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