Teamipswich have strengthened their ranks this season with the addition of Chris Walker-Hebborn to their squad.Walker-Hebborn arrives from the West Suffolk Swimming Club, based in his home town of Bury St Edmunds, in order to further his swimming career.

Teamipswich have strengthened their ranks this season with the addition of Chris Walker-Hebborn to their squad.

Walker-Hebborn arrives from the West Suffolk Swimming Club, based in his home town of Bury St Edmunds, in order to further his swimming career.

The 16-year-old is currently swimming at the Great Britain Offshore Centre in Australia which aims to prepare the cream of young British swimmers for the London 2012 Olympics.

Having been there just a couple of weeks, Walker-Hebborn has already made a big impact, picking up a medal of every colour at the Queensland State Championships.

Competing in the 16 years category, Walker-Hebborn has finished third in the 200m freestyle (1.54.84), second in the 100 freestyle (53.22) and first in the 200m IM (2.09.91).

A type of swimming scholarship, the British Offshore programme is the brainchild of British national team coach Bill Sweetenham, the Australian who has caused much controversy with his alleged disciplinarian approach.

The scheme, which is fully funded, sees young British swimmers move to the other side of the world in order to gain access to the best facilities and coaching.

Having finished his GCSE exams this year, Walker-Hebborn will now continue his studies at the Southport School on the Gold Coast, dubbed the Australian equivalent of Eton. Walker-Hebborn will now compete for teamipswich whenever he is back in the UK in between his school terms in Australia.

Head Coach Dave Champion said: “Having a swimmer of Chris's calibre come on board can only help boost the training and work ethic that we are already developing.

“He's a great guy who works hard and wants to swim fast. What more can you ask for?”