Peters overwhelmed by selection

Jacob Peters said he was overwhelmed at getting the opportunity to represent Team England at the Commonwealth Games.

Peters, of Poole Swimming Club, smashed his own British Age Group record as he clocked 1:57.16 to finish second – behind James Guy – in the 200m butterfly at the Swim England National Winter Championships last December.

Jacob Peters
  • Age: 17
  • Club: Poole Swimming Club
  • Coach: Barry Aldrick
  • CWG: Making debut at Gold Coast 2018

“I’m overwhelmed,” said Peters. “I can’t really state how happy I am – it’s indescribable.

“I have always wanted to compete as part of an international team. I think that’s a goal for most athletes.

“It’s a dream come true especially as there is not much of a better place to go than the Gold Coast.

“I have a friend who went to the Commonwealth Games and seeing people who are close to you who have gone makes you realise it’s possible that anyone can do it.”

Shocked at time

Peters admitted to being surprised when he saw his time at the Swim England National Winter Championships and realising it was good enough to secure a place in Team England’s squad.

“It’s what I had been working towards,” said 17-year-old Peters. “But when I looked up and saw the time I was shocked.

“After the World Juniors, I was feeling pretty confident. I knew I had a big shot so I gritted my teeth, trained really hard.”

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