A WINTERBOURNE International Academy pupil has qualified for the ASA National Championships this summer.

Jedd Woodruff, a member of Soundwell Swimming Club, has been competitively swimming since the age of eight, taking part in monthly galas run by the club to train up the swimmers in time for the competition season.

The 12-year-old, a Year 7 student, has entered several events for the Championships, which include the 100m, 200m and 400m freestyle and the 100m backstroke.

The ASA Championships this year will be held at Sheffield’s Ponds Forge at the end of July.

Over the years, he has progressed up through the various stages of the ASA National Swimming Plan, and into the bronze, silver, and gold challenges.

Woodruff’s first competitive race was unexpected as he filled in for another boy who fell ill during a gala in Weston-Super-Mare.

This gave him his first chance of experiencing the competitive element to the sport.

Woodruff manages training very well alongside his other commitments such as homework and Kumon sessions.

He is also part of the Winterbourne International Academy's Year 7 cricket team.

Matt Puddy, Woodruff’s Soundwell coach and head coach at the institute, said: “Jedd was born to race. However, this past year he has made significant improvements to his training which has enabled him to compete at higher level.

"Jedd is extremely dedicated to his sport and would love the opportunity to represent his academy over the coming years.”

Woodruff holds the South West 400m freestyle title for his age category, and his mother, Amanda, is "very proud" of his achievements.

In the future, he would like to gain sponsorship in order to continue his swimming career past its current point.