Joe Litchfield thankful for help and support

Joe Litchfield has thanked everyone who has helped him become part of Team England’s Commonwealth Games squad.

The City of Sheffield swimmer will make his first senior appearance for Team England on Australia’s Gold Coast.

• DOB: 08/07/1998
• Club: City of Sheffield
• Coach: Russ Barber
• CWG: Making debut at Gold Coast 2018

But it’s not the first time Litchfield has represented Team England – he won four silver medals at the 2015 Commonwealth Youth Games in Samoa.

He said: “I’m so proud and happy to be representing Team England this year at the Commonwealth Games in Australia – thanks to all the help and support from everyone.”

Dramatic final

Litchfield, 19, won a European Junior title in Hungary in 2016 when he took gold in a dramatic 200m Individual Medley final.

He was fourth with 50m to go but he touched home first in a time of 2:01.07 to take the title.

And last year, he clocked a 200m IM personal best of 1:59.36 to win a bronze medal at the 2017 Universiade in Taipei City, Taiwan. It was the first time he had beaten the two minute marker in 200m individual medley.

He improved again later in 2017, closing his year with PBs over 200m Fly (1:59.10) and 400m Individual Medley (4:18.70) at the Swim England National Winter Championships in Sheffield.