RAWTENSTALL’S swimming sensation Thomas Hamer has a record-breaking 2015 in his sights after picking up his first major international medals last summer.

The 16-year-old, who trains at the National Swimming Performance Centre in Manchester, currently holds the British record in the S14 200m freestyle.

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He thrilled fans in Glasgow last year when he claimed 200m freestyle silver at the Commonwealth Games.

And to prove that was no fluke, the Alder Grange School pupil quickly followed that up with silver at the IPC European Championships in Eindhoven.

But after a whirlwind 2014, Hamer has no intention of slowing down.

“I’m training really hard which is tough but really worth it as it seems to be paying off,” said Hamer, who is part of SSE’s Next Generation programme, which gives vital support to 100 amazing young athletes across Great Britain and Ireland.

“Getting to go to the Commonwealth Games really was just the best experience ever.

“I was really chuffed to get a silver medal and it’s definitely helped me coming into this year as I am full of confidence now that I can perform at that level.

“We’re heading to Ireland in a couple of weeks which will be one of the most important competitions before the British trials in March.

“So I’m looking forward to the next few weeks, and I’m just wanting to work hard and hoping to get a new PB if possible – if I can improve that I’ll break into the top three in the world.”

Hamer enjoyed a taste of what the Olympics in Brazil could offer when he flew out to Rio in November as part of the team representing the UK at the Paralimpíadas Escolares (School Paralympic games), where he won three gold medals.

And with the 2016 Paralympics now firmly on the horizon, the youngster agrees that the sky is the limit for the next 18 months.

“I’d of course like to go to Rio next year, and I think I’ve got a good chance of qualifying so that’s one of my biggest aims,” he added.

“It’s definitely very encouraging that I’m able to compete with, and beat, some of the best swimmers in my category in the world “They have hit their peak, but I’m not at mine yet, so I think there’s a lot more to come from me.

“I think I could definitely have a world record in my sights at some stage.”

n SSE’s Next Generation programme partners with SportsAid to provide financial support and training to the sports stars of the future. Keep up to date with the latest @SSENextGen “I’m going to specialise in the 200m for that games, and then perhaps for the games after we might start to look at a couple of others.

“I might do the 200m individual medley or some other events like the 100m freestyle. I’d like to be able to experiment with a few and break more records.

“Glasgow was great but I can’t wait to travel abroad to take part in a major games. I think it will be tough with the travel but the trip would be awesome and a great experience.

“It’s definitely very encouraging that I’m able to compete with, and beat, some of the best swimmers in my category in the world.