Swim England recruits first two boys to artistic swimming national youth squad

Great Britain could soon have a mixed duet competing at an international event after the first two boys were recruited to the Swim England Artistic Swimming Talent pathway.

Maxwell Sewell and Ranjuo Tomblin are now members of the Swim England national youth squad after impressing at a recent trial.

They have been regulars at the National Age Group Championships and Combo Cup competitions over the past few years and will now be aiming to perform as part of a mixed duet at next year’s FINA World Youth Artistic Swimming Championships.

Maxwell, who is a member of Aqualina, said: “I used to have diving lessons at Stevenage pool but they stopped so was looking for something else to do in the water and my sister, Eloise, did synchro. I decided to do a crash course in the summer of 2017.

“I enjoyed it so much I decided to join the beginners group. I gained my Grade 1 and 2 and got my first two gold medals at the Combo Cup and in the mixed duet at NAGs in 2018 and 2019.

“I love making new friends, learning new moves and being in the water. I hate doing the splits. My motivation is being with my friends, getting medals and beating my sister!

“My ambition is to go to the Olympics and win a medal!”

Ranjuo, who swims for Atlantis Flamingos, added: “I started synchro because my coach spotted me swimming and she scouted me so I gave synchro a go and I immediately loved it.

“I don’t really enjoy doing figures that much, however I really do enjoy swimming routines.

“I am excited about the year ahead and what may be in the future for me.”

Karen Thorpe, Swim England Artistic Swimming Manager, said: “It’s great to have both Maxwell and Ranjuo in the national youth squad.

“They fully deserve their place after impressing with their performances in national competitions and their youth squad trial.

“We are now developing a specific programme to start working on a mixed duet routine that will be ready to compete in the 2021 FINA World Youth Artistic Swimming Championships.”

Maxwell and Ranjuo’s selection comes as Swim England prepares to host a free artistic swimming session in a bid to encourage more boys into the sport.

Boys Got Talent will take place at Aldershot Garrison Sports Centre between 10.30am and 2pm on Tuesday 7 April.

Led by Swim England’s artistic swimming coaches, the sessions are aimed at boys of all ages but they must be confident at swimming in deep water.

Places must be pre-booked by emailing [email protected] by Friday 1 April.