DAN JERVIS CONTINUES TO BE AN INSPIRATION FOR YOUNG WELSH SWIMMERS

After spending years honing his skills at Nexus Valleys Swimming Club in Glynneath, Jervis made his Olympic debut with an impressive showing to qualify for the 1500m freestyle final.

A bold performance full of personality, Jervis showed absolutely no fear on his Olympic debut and attacked the race. Finishing second behind German Florian Wellbrock, he qualified as fifth fastest overall, to the delight of all at his first club, Nexus Valleys SC.

Already twice a Commonwealth medallist, Jervis will be hoping to go one better in what will be a hotly contested final on Sunday. His father Jonathon spoke before his race about his determination to make it to the top – but never forgetting where he comes from. He said:

“We’re all immensely proud of Dan. He’s the sort of character doesn’t give up, and that’s always shone through in his swimming to be honest. Every race, he’s always there fighting, he never shys away.”

“His journey is something that he can be proud of, and of course all at his first club feel the same. Seeing so many of his friends and former swim mates excited for him, willing him on, shows just how much support he has back home. Even though we can’t be in Tokyo, we’re supporting him fully from the Valleys!”

“We cannot wait for him to come home, and he will get a hero’s welcome, having worked so hard to make it to his first Olympics – and now having qualified for the final. He’s given so much, but it’s definitely a result of amazing coaches supporting him all the way, starting here in Glynneath through to his current coaches at GB”

“Speaking to those at Nexus Valley Swimming club, it makes me very proud to see how Dan is inspiring others. Swimming is a fantastic sport for bringing communities together, and we hope that more and more people look to the Olympics and want to get in the pool!”

Tokyo 2020 represents a ‘golden generation’ of Welsh swimming talent. Jervis is joined in Tokyo by a further five Welsh swimmers – Kieran Bird, Harriet Jones, Alys Thomas, Matt Richards and Calum Jarvis. This is a record number of Welsh swimmers at any Olympic Games and incredibly, they make up just under 25 per cent of Team GB’s swimming squad.

Team GB are certainly not at Tokyo to make up the numbers either. Matt Richards and Rhondda-born Calum Jarvis won gold for Team GB in the 4×200 men’s freestyle relay – a third team gold medal and the first time GB have won three swimming golds at a single Games since 1908.

Swim Wales CEO Fergus Feeney heaped the praise on Wales’ swimming stars – and reflected on the culture within British Swimming that has helped Wales and GB feast at this year’s Olympic Games.

“We’ve had some exceptional performances in the pool so far in Tokyo, and it’s important to remember that every Olympian’s journey begins at a local swimming club. We’re immensely proud of all of our swimmers and seeing Dan do so well at his first ever Olympics, and then how delighted all at his first club are to see their friend at the pinnacle of world sport – it just shows the power of sport in communities across Wales.”

“Clubs like Nexus Valley offer the chance for young people to make new friends, develop new skills and can harness any raw potential to help create future Olympians and Paralympians. Looking to Dan, it just puts into perspective for young aspiring swimmers that you can do it, with support of your peers and hard work.

To find your nearest club visit discover.swimming.org.