Thomas Harvey

Sport:

Swimmer

Biography:

I’m proud to be representing DeaflympicsGB at the 25th Deaflympics in Tokyo. I began my competitive swimming journey in 2017 at nine years old, joining my local swimming club with a determination to succeed.

Alongside my intense training schedule, I have just completed my GCSEs, balancing academic commitments with the goal of qualifying for the Deaflympics.

I have achieved Grade 5 in piano and have a deep love of history. My journey to the Deaflympics has been fuelled by inspiration from previous GB Deaflympians, some of whom I met at the age of seven - a moment that sparked my dream to one day follow in their footsteps.

As a deaf athlete, I have overcome significant challenges in the pool - from not hearing the starting buzzer to missing out on verbal coaching cues and the roar of the crowd. Despite this, I have swum at a national level, earning me a place among the UK's elite deaf athletes.

I hope my journey shows other young deaf people that, with commitment and belief, no obstacle is too great.

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