A TEENAGER from Powys has risen to be among the top ranked swimmers in Wales.

Ysgol Calon Cymru Year 8 student Layla Williams is ranked the top butterfly stroke swimmer in Wales and the youngster is aiming for more success in the pool.

Layla has spent her life in the water having started swimming at just 12 weeks old through Waterbabies before progressing to lessons at Rhayader and Leominster while also becoming a qualified lifeguard at East Radnor Leisure Centre.

Layla’s swimming career really took off after joining Newtown Swimming Club in 2019, aged seven.

OTHER NEWS:

Mum Becca said: “When lockdown came, the club were amazing and able to offer the children open water swimming to keep them active. For Layla, who is so incredibly active and has endless amounts of energy, swimming has been vital for her mental health and wellbeing.”

These days the youngster trains six hours a week.

Becca said: “I think it’s so important to learn swimming as a life skill, and our leisure centres play such a vital role in making it accessible for all.

“We cannot thank her head coach Lee Bebb enough for encouraging her and all the hard work and dedication of all the volunteers and coaches at the club. It’s part of our family now and is such a big part of our life. All three of our children have an interest in swimming and it wouldn’t surprise me if her younger siblings follow in her path.”

Last year the youngster took part in a swimathon at Newtown’s Maldwyn Leisure Centre which raised £1,800 for for Cancer Research.