A Bradford sixth former has swum his way to success in the Royal Lifesaving Society (RLSS) National Speed Championships.

Sam Lawman, from Idle, Bradford, won a total of five medals – three of them gold – plus two trophies, at a two-day competition held at Sheffield’s Ponds Forge.

The 17-year-old, who is head boy at Fulneck School won gold in the 100m obstacle swim in the 15-17 years age group, plus the trophy shield, gold in the 4x500m obstacle relay open age group, gold in the 50m manikin carry in the 15-17 year age group, plus the trophy shield, bronze in the 4x50m obstacle relay for males aged 15-17 and bronze in the 4x25m manikin relay open age group. Sam, a member of Bradford Swimming Club, said: “This was the first time I’ve been entered into these championships and it was a great experience.

“I was up against very strong swimmers from all over the country and really enjoyed the experience.

“These races are very different from normal swimming races as you have to swim under water, through and around obstacles and retrieve manikins from the bottom of the pool.”

David Needham, Head of PE at Fulneck School, said: “Fulneck currently has a crop of exceptional swimmers and Sam is one of them. To swim to this standard you have to train incredibly hard and this often involves getting up very early in the morning.”