Dorset foundation helps Poole swimmer realise Olympic dream

The 20-year-old, who specialises in the butterfly, was this week selected as one of a 28-strong Team GB swimming squad for the delayed Tokyo games, beginning on July 23.

Jacob has been supported with three grants totalling almost £1,500 since 2017, from the Young and Talented Fund, set up with the foundation by Dorset Lord Lieutenant Angus Campbell.

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Jacob's mum Rachael said the grants had been a vital help for the family getting the Poole Swimming Club youth to galas all over the country as he established himself as a rising star.

“The grants were a huge help to us because it is so expensive when you have to drive to important meetings in Plymouth, Sheffield, Glasgow and Edinburgh.

“It is not just expensive for the swimmer but also for the family because when they are under 18 they have to have an adult with them and the coaches want them there a day before the meeting.

“Then there is the equipment to buy, it all mounts up.”

Mrs Peters, her husband Martin and Jacob's nine-year-old brother David have had a nervous week waiting for his selection to be confirmed after he finished second at British Swimming’s selection meeting at the National Aquatic Centre last week.

Although he clocked up 51.65 seconds in the 100m butterfly, the 11th fastest time in the world this year, he still had an anxious wait for British Swimming to release its squad once it had been ratified by the British Olympic Association.

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The family has celebrated the call-up but Jacob has kept his feet on the ground.

“Obviously he is absolutely chuffed but he knows there is a lot of work to do," said Rachael. "He wants to come away from the Games having made an impact, he doesn’t just want to go there to make up the numbers,”

GB coaches won’t allocate swimming berths until closer to the events in Tokyo but Mrs Peters said her son hopes to be selected in the 100m butterfly and the 4x100m medley relay team.

Foundation director Grant Robson said: “Jacob is a very engaging and passionate ambassador for his sport and also for the Young and Talented Fund.

“The idea is to help potential stars of the future to break through the financial burdens that could prevent them making the most of their ability so it is wonderful to see Jacob’s achievement.

“We know Jacob, his family and his coaches have put so much into this and we are absolutely delighted for them.”

Lord Lieutenant Angus Campbell said: “It is hugely exciting to hear of Jacob’s selection and it is so gratifying that a little bit of help from the fund can lead to such success. I wanted the fund to be there to give help that young people like Jacob need to ensure their talent does not get wasted.”