Last updated at 20:14, Thursday, 15 December 2011

Disabled athlete Grant Taylor is just three seconds away from qualifying for next year’s Paralympic Games.

IN THE SWIM: Grant Taylor, of Cockermouth, hopes to qualify for the Paralympics

The 17-year-old, of Derwent Mills, Cockermouth, was originally diagnosed with rare distal spinal muscular atrophy aged 10, before being told he has hereditary motor neuropathy.

Grant is on course to make the 100m backstroke competition at the London championships if he reaches his target time at either the Paralympic Trials in March or the British Gas Swimming Championship in April.

Grant, a member of Cockermouth Swimming Club since 2008, said: “I’m focused and I’ve upped my training to give myself the best chance of making it.

“I’m only seconds from qualifying, and quite close to qualifying for the 50m and 100m freestyle.

“I would love to qualify and help Cockermouth Swimming Club have at least one member competing next summer.”

Grant is determined to succeed and make his Paralympic dream a reality after he lost two cousins within days of each other earlier this year.

Keswick School pupil Jordan Peck, 17, of Windebrowe Avenue, Keswick, died on February 28 when his motorcycle was involved in a collision with a car at Dovenby.

His death was followed by Honister Slate Mine owner Mark Weir’s helicopter crash.

Grant, his mother Natalie, father Bill and sister Martina had just returned from Jordan’s wake when they were informed of Mr Weir’s death.

In October, Grant took part in the DSE Regional Championships where he won gold in the 200m freestyle and silvers the 50m freestyle and backstroke.

He was awarded a trophy as top boy for the 17 to 18-year category, and he also won silver as part of a four-person relay at the DSE National Championships last month.

First published at 19:20, Thursday, 15 December 2011
Published by http://www.timesandstar.co.uk