Six-gold haul for Michael

LOCAL swimmer Michael Thompson made a splash at the Disability Sport Event Junior National Championships at Ponds Forge, Sheffield.

The 14-year-old returned with six gold medals and one silver from the seven events he competed in.

Mickey, who has the hereditary growth condition Achondroplasia, struck gold in the 50m breaststroke, 50m, 100m and 400m freestyle, 100m individual medley and 400m relay. His silver came in the 100m breaststroke.

He also recorded four personal-best times smashing 30 seconds off his previous best time for the 400m freestyle.

In the same event last year Mickey, a member of Oldham Community Leisure’s Advanced Training Scheme and the Oldham Aquatics swim team, captured four gold medals.

Mickey, who also swims for Failsworth Fins and Oldham ASC, is a potential competitor for the 2012 Paralympics if he continues to hit all the targets which are being set for him.

He has previously competed in the Dwarf Athletic Association Nationals and European Championships.

Later this year he could compete in the Dwarf World Championships which are being held in Belfast.