SWIMMER Jeffery Hill has secured selection for the Junior European British Open Water under-19s team. The 18-year-old from Doddington will compete in a 10k freestyle race in Italy in June. A top-three finish will see him go on to compete in an open water

SWIMMER Jeffery Hill has secured selection for the Junior European British Open Water under-19s team.

The 18-year-old from Doddington will compete in a 10k freestyle race in Italy in June.

A top-three finish will see him go on to compete in an open water 10k race in France in July.

Hill produced a sensational performance at the British Championships and Olympic Trials in Sheffield to secure his place on the plane to Italy.

He knocked 25 seconds off his personal best time to record 15:55:15 in a 1500 metre heat race and then finished seventh in the final to gain qualification.

Hill said: "I've been feeling good about my long distance swims lately and been putting in a lot of hard work in training. I put in nine swimming sessions and three gym sessions every week and I feel fitter and better than ever."

Hill secured a scholarship at the prestigious Kelly College in Devon almost two years ago and is studying a BTEC in Sports Science.

He is a member of City of Ely Swimming Club, where he regularly trains when he returns home.

Mother and coach Elaine Hill said: "Jeffery has been on the fringes of national level for the last four years but this is the first time he has been selected to represent Britain and it's a massive step for him.

"Every athlete's goal is the 2012 Olympic Games. It would be absolutely fantastic for him to compete in the Olympics in his own country.