Matthew strikes gold

AS the pace of preparations and excitement for the 2012 London Olympics builds up with a year to go, Dewsbury swimming hopeful Matthew Johnson has struck gold, at an Olympic event which focuses on young talent.
By The Newsroom
Published 29th Jul 2011, 10:00 BST

Spen Valley Sports College student Matthew, 16, pictured, was one of 4000 athletes from 49 countries who took part in the 11th European Youth Olympic Festival (EYOF) held in Trabzon, Turkey this week. Matthew up to yesterday (Thursday) has secured two gold medals and two silver medals at the games, helping to boost the Great Britain team’s medal tally at the Festival.

The success started on Tuesday as Matthew pulled off a terrific win in the final of the 400m Freestyle. Matthew who swims for the City of Sheffield Club won the race from lane eight.

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After finishing fifth in the final of the 200m butterfly the ever-versatile Matthew won his second gold in the 200m individual medley which gives the swimmers a chance to excel in different strokes.

Swimming from the favoured middle lanes Matthew raced to victory and was over a second clear of his nearest rival in a time of 2.04-35.

Matthew swam the last leg of the Boys 4x100m freestyle with team mates Oliver Leonard, Karl Morgan, Mattew Watkinson. He also took a silver swimming the first leg of the 4x 200m Mixed Individual Medley with Ellena Jones, Alex Dunk and Siwan Thomas-Howells.

Related topics:DewsburyGreat BritainTurkey