Creating a splash (From Kidderminster Shuttle)

Creating a splash

7:50am Monday 5th September 2011 in News

A DETERMINED Wyre Forest tot has found fame on YouTube after swimming an unaided nine-metre width of a Kidderminster pool.

Two-year-old Caitlin Morris, of Stourport, achieved the feat during her weekly swimming lessons at Kidderminster’s Holy Trinity School.

Realising it was a rare moment, swimming instructor David Salt who runs the Baba Seahorse Swim School she attends, uploaded the 47-second clip to YouTube proving that Caitlin’s achievement was real.

The youngster has now been dubbed as the future Rebecca Adlington - a British swimmer who won two gold medals in 2008 - of Wyre Forest, by Mr Salt.

Caitlin’s overwhelmed father Roger, said: “When Caitlin jumped in the pool we weren’t completely certain she could swim the whole nine metres by herself. However with her mum Tracey in the water encouraging her to kick her legs and move her arms, she reached the other side in under one minute. It is fair to say that everyone looking on from the poolside was pretty amazed.

“Ever since she was a baby she has loved the water so we were keen to take her to swimming lessons and we’re delighted we did. She is developing into a strong swimmer way above her years.”

David Salt, Caitlin’s swimming instructor at the Baba Seahorse swim school, added: “Quite rightly Caitlin’s parents are very proud of her and it is clear she has a special gift.

“She is a pleasure to teach and quickly understood the basics of swimming. For such a young child, her ability is extremely high as it would typically be a four year-old who could swim a nine metre width on their own and with such confidence.”

David, who has been teaching Caitlin since she was only nine months old, added: “I’ve been teaching swimming classes for over six years and it’s rare to see that kind of determination and confidence in a two-year old.

“Although Caitlin may just miss out on the London Olympics next year I am quietly confident in the years ahead she may be Wyre Forest’s very own answer to Rebecca Adlington.”

CLICK HERE TO SEE CAITLIN ON YOUTUBE