Kingsbridge swimmer Aaron Rickhuss, has ended his season with his first senior British medal in the 50m freestyle in a personal best time at British Nationals in August, in Sheffield.

This puts him third fastest in the country this summer.

After struggling for a year in 2014, Aaron was diagnosed with a severe back condition. He was told he would never reach his potential and that he should seriously consider retiring.

This was a devastating blow after nine years of relentless hard work and with the grail of the Rio Olympics in his sights.

Aaron, who started his swimming career with Kingsbridge Kingfishers, decided to take time off from the pool to decide where his future lay, understandably on the receipt of such news.

Five months later Aaron decided that if he could manage the back condition he wanted to carry on as he knew he had the talent as well as the fight to succeed.

After being back in the pool for just two weeks, Aaron won a silver medal at a meet in Plymouth in April this year, beating Tom Fannon, who was second fastest in the country.

Aaron swam a personal best of 23.8 seconds. He felt great in the water and so with another 12 weeks training, he swam at the senior nationals in August and won a silver medal in a lifetime best time of 22.5 seconds in the 50m freestyle.

This time was good enough to automatically enters him into the Olympic trials in April next year and puts him third fastest in the country. However, only the top two are selected so Aaron still has work to do.

He is now very excited to be starting his training ready for the Olympic Trials in Glasgow next April.

Aaron wishes to thank his sponsors Contour Brickworks, who have been amazing, and Marjon Uni­versity for their support, where Aaron is studying for his degree.

Aaron is still open to any sponsorship offers, so get in touch by email to [email protected] to find out more.