A teenager is making a big impact on the international stage in para-swimming after gaining a personal best and a medal.

Corey Hare, a member of Teamipswich Swimming, recently participated in the Citi Para Swimming World Series in Aberdeen.

Held over four days, the world series brings in leading names on the international para-swimming stage.

Performances from the 17-year-old Colchester Institute student meant that of the seven events he had qualified for, he reached the final in six of them and picked up third place in the 200m individual medley where he set a new personal best time.

Corey is a para-swimmer with an S14 classification, meaning he has a learning disability and autism, typically leading to the athlete having difficulties with regards to pattern recognition, sequencing and memory, while potentially also having a slower reaction time.

Ipswich Star: Corey Hare with some of his medalsCorey Hare with some of his medals (Image: Teamipswich)

Corey said: "I started when I was young and I really enjoyed moving to Teamipswich in the autumn.

"I feels like swimming is a sport I will participate in for life.

"It is a fantastic way to improve all round fitness and there is no feeling like competing, I set myself goals to achieve personal bests against my peers and I always hope to make a final."

Corey, who is an Ipswich Town fan and enjoys watching Formula 1, started on the Aquatic Diploma in Sporting Excellence in September 2022.

Dave Champion, Teamipswich head coach, said: "Corey is a phenomenal swimmer and his achievements in Aberdeen prove he is earning his place on the international stage.

"His dedication to training is second to none as he always gives 100% and does so with an incredibly positive attitude and approach which is so contagious it happily motivates others around him too."

Corey is set to head to Sweden this month to represent England in the Swedish Grand Prix as part of the Swim England diploma, then next month he has the British Championships with the British Olympic Trials.