Swimming Journey
Jamie began swimming as a baby in 2012 at Ponds Forge, Sheffield, attending Little Duckling sessions. Progressing quickly through Learn to Swim Stages 1–8, he was invited to trial for the City of Sheffield JO3 squad in 2019 and joined Swim England that same year.
Since then, Jamie has steadily advanced, moving up through JO2 and JO1, and in 2025 earned promotion to the City of Sheffield National Squad after qualifying for the Summer British Championships (2 events) and the English Championships (4 events), achieving personal bests in all.
His success includes numerous medals at local, County, and Regional levels. He has been part of the Yorkshire County Development Programme (2023–24), represented Yorkshire at the National County Team Championships (2024), and progressed through the Swim England North East Development Programme (2024–25). He has also been invited to the National Age Group Development Programme for 2025–26.
Water Polo Journey
Jamie took up water polo in 2020 with the City of Sheffield Water Polo Club (Monsters) to complement his swimming. His enthusiasm quickly showed, leading to promotions into Academy (2022) and Juniors (2023). He has competed at the MANUP Tournament, National Age Group Championships, and enjoyed a training camp in Malta (2024).
At regional level, Jamie successfully trialled for the Swim England North East squad in 2022 and has represented them in the U14 and U16 Inter Regional Tournaments, as well as the ESSA Prince of Wales Cup (2024).
Jamie also trialled for the NE Talent Centre in 2024, training with both U14 and U16 squads. He was part of the U14 team that won the Talent Centre Games (2025) and was named a NE Talent Centre All Star.
Training Commitment
Jamie trains extensively, balancing swimming and water polo commitments across both clubs and the regional programmes. His schedule often exceeds 22 hours per week, including pool and land-based training. Managing this workload, especially during school terms, requires careful balance and recovery.
Balancing Both Sports
Jamie recognises that his swimming fitness, stamina, and speed benefit his water polo performance, while water polo adds fun, teamwork, strength, and mental resilience. The biggest challenge comes when competitions clash, requiring difficult decisions about where to focus.
Despite the intensity, Jamie has thrived as a dual aquatic athlete, with both sports positively shaping his development, confidence, and sporting journey.
Advice to Other Young Athletes
Jamie believes it is important to try different aquatic disciplines while young, as no one knows which path may become their strongest. He highlights the importance of family support, good coaching, and being prepared to make tough choices.
If you are a dual-athlete in the North East, or want support/advice to become one – get in touch with Jay through jay.manners@swimnortheast.org.
