A Beccles teenager has earned a spot representing his country at the World Para Swimming Championships in Mexico.

Eastern Daily Press: Jordan Catchpole in the pool. Picture: Claire Brierly.Jordan Catchpole in the pool. Picture: Claire Brierly. (Image: Archant)

Jordan Catchpole, 17, is part of the British Swimming World Class Podium Potential Programme and travelled to Sheffield on July 24 to compete in the British Summer Championships.

It is one of many competitions that Jordan takes part in, and was used as a qualifier for the event in Mexico City later this year.

Jordan was diagnosed with autism and learning difficulties age 14, and now competes in the S14 classification, which is for swimmers with an intellectual impairment.

The summer championship para swimming races were done in multi classification (MC), which meant Jordan was swimming against all classifications, not just S14 swimmers, and the competition was judged on a points system.

Eastern Daily Press: Jordan Catchpole from Beccles. Picture : ANTONY KELLYJordan Catchpole from Beccles. Picture : ANTONY KELLY (Image: archant 2017)

His mum Claire Brierly said: 'Jordan had a very successful meet. He came away with a bronze for MC 200 freestyle, bronze for MC 200 individual medley, silver for MC 100 backstroke and broke his own British record. He won gold for MC 100 butterfly, equalling the British record.

'He achieved four qualifying times for the World Championships in Mexico, and found out on July 31 that he had been selected to represent his country in Mexico. 'When it came through we were so excited and happy. Jordan is very proud to represent his country.

'He will also be presented with an award whilst in Mexico for winning the men's junior title in the World Series.'

Jordan trains eight times a week with the City of Norwich Swimming Club, and his main goal is to represent Great Britain at the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics.

To help him compete, Jordan receives support from Sports Aid and sponsorship from local businesses, and was recently awarded £750 from the Persimmon Homes' Healthy Communities campaign, which supports sporting causes across the UK.

Mrs Brierly said: 'It's an expensive sport with travel, accommodation, swimwear and training equipment, so the donation will be a big help.'

Jordan is in need of new sponsors to support his swimming, and anyone interested is asked to email Jordan's dad Pete at peterbrierly@btinternet.com.