Rio Paralympics call for swim aces Ollie and Charlotte

The pair, who are coached by Mansfield District Council’s Swim Coach and Development Officer Glenn Smith, were chosen after achieving stunning results in the IPC Swimming European Championships in Madeira last week and posting qualification times at the Paralympic trials in Glasgow in April.

Ollie, of Kirkby, picked up a hat-trick of gold medals and two silver medals from five events in Madeira, while Charlotte reclaimed her European 2009 title in the SB6 100m breaststroke.

They will now be training hard for the Rio Paralympics, which start on September 7, and are considered to be in with a good chance of bringing home medals for the British team.

Ollie Hynd is currently one of the most celebrated and highly ranked male para-swimmers in the world, being Paralympic, World, European and Commonwealth Champion and possessing several world record times.

He said: “I am so proud to be selected for Rio for ParalympicsGB.

“It is such an honour. The competition is getting tougher every time I get in the water but I know how hard I’ve been training so I can only be confident in my preparations. Rio will be an amazing experience.”

Mansfield’s Charlotte Henshaw, one of the faces of the ‘Supercharge ParalympicsGB’ campaign to galvanise public support for the team, said: “I always feel proud to compete for my country, but competing for ParalympicsGB is something even more special.

“It’s been an amazing three and a half years since London 2012 and I think the legacy of those games will make the 2016 Paralympic Games extra special for the British public. I can’t wait to make everyone proud.”

Glenn Smith added: “This is fantastic news for both Ollie and Charlotte - a deserved and huge congratulations to them for again making the Great Britain team for their second and third Paralympics, respectively.

“I am an immensely proud coach today. In a sport that requires a brutal training regime day in and day out, it is testament to their massive dedication and commitment.

“The focus now will be on the games in September and they know it will require another step up in performance.

“But rest assured they will be doing everything possible to make Great Britain, Mansfield District Council, the surrounding community, Nottinghamshire, Nova Centurion Swimming Club and Nottinghamshire Amateur Swimming Association proud.”

Executive mayor of Mansfield District Council, Kate Allsop said: “Ollie and Charlotte are the pride of Mansfield and such an inspiration for young people here.

“It is no surprise to us that these superb athletes have been selected for the British team in Rio and we wish them every success there.

“I would also like to thank Glenn Smith for his magnificent job in coaching them to the highest level.”