A SWIMMER from Waltham Forest will be the youngest member of the Great Britain men’s team to take part at the Deaf European Swimming Championships in Germany next month.

Fourteen-year-old Matthew Whyman was unfortunate to miss out on selection for the Deaflympics last year, but he has put that disappointment behind him and will now compete in a gruelling five events in Dortmund.

Waltham Forest Gators member Matthew will contest three backstroke events over 50m, 100m and 200m, as well as the 200m individual medley and the longest distance race in the pool, the 1500m.

Despite his tender years, the Heathcote Secondary School pupil has established himself as one of the finest swimmers in the country.

Matthew was among just 12 competitors to be chosen to take part in the prestigious event.

The youngster’s passage to Dortmund has been made possible by his sponsor, Whetstone-based chartered accountants MacIntyre Hudson.

Matthew has had to rely on such financial aid as UK Deaf Sports do not receive any form of funding, leaving the swimmers to raise their own travel and accommodation costs for all international galas.

Matthew’s next goal will be to secure a place at the Deaf World Championships in August next year, but first he must tackle the continent’s best in Germany.

If you would like to sponsor the Gators or require any further information contact Denise Whyman at dwhyman2002@yahoo.com