“I was diagnosed with a severe to profound hearing loss in both ears just weeks after I was born, receiving my first hearing aids shortly after.

“My family always wanted the best for me in any way they could and with no previous experience of deafness they were keen for me to be able to listen and talk.

“From online research Mum fund out about Auditory Verbal therapy and when I was around three years old, I started at the therapy programme at Auditory Verbal UK (AVUK).

“My mum drove me to AVUK’s Bicester centre location (the only one at the time) from our home in Surrey, once a fortnight for two years. She has told me that the Auditory Verbal therapy approach was transformative and even in my very first session, I was making sounds I had never been able to say before. I made outstanding progress and graduated with spoken language skills beyond my actual age.

“From a young age being deaf has never stopped me doing anything and I have been involved in many activities through music, education and later on, sport. I began playing piano around age six and have continued learning and playing until today, which has allowed me to access music in a creative and exciting way. I love listening to a range of music too! It has provided me great opportunities in building my confidence early on by performing at local music events – I even played God Save the Queen for my Infant School’s Jubilee concert when I was just seven years old!

“Alongside music, I first began swimming lessons at the age of three at my local leisure centre in Epsom. My mum, having noticed that I refused to put my face in the water at home, enrolled me in lessons to help me overcome this. Over time, I progressed through the stages with different coaches and eventually joined my local club, Epsom District Swimming Club (EDSC). At the age of nine, I also became a member of the GB Deaf Swimming Club (GBDSC). Finding deaf-friendly swimming lessons was really tough, but my mum persevered to get me the best support possible.

“I began swimming competitively at age nine, in local competitions with EDSC and at GBDSC’s annual championships, helping me develop a passion for sport and a drive for success in swimming. I also regularly attended GBDSC training weekends, which became an important part of my development.

“In June 2023, I travelled to Stuttgart, Germany, for my first international meet with my local club. It was an unforgettable experience, not only racing against athletes from around the world but also exploring a new culture outside the pool. I hope to continue swimming into University and beyond as I progress further.

“One of the greatest highlights in my swimming career so far was meeting many of the GB Olympians at Adam Peaty’s AP London International this year. I competed in the event and met so many of my heroes poolside including Adam Peaty, Matt Richards, James Guy and Anna Hopkin.

“I have also achieved my Level 1 Swim Teacher qualification, allowing me to share the love of swimming to the younger generation, which I really enjoy.

“All of this dedication and support led me to qualify for the Deaflympics while studying for my GCSEs.

“The Deaflympics are taking place in Tokyo in November 2025. I have made qualifying times for the 50m, 100m, 200m, and 400m Freestyle; the 100m and 200m Butterfly; and the 4x100m Men’s Freestyle Relay. Competing at the Deaflympics has been a long-held aspiration of mine, and I feel incredibly proud to represent GB alongside my teammates, sharing this achievement with my friends and family. Leading up to the Deaflympics, I have been talking to other deaf children across Surrey and Hampshire, inspiring them to be involved in sport, with both hearing and deaf peers.

“I am proud to be deaf and what I have achieved so far, and I know that this is due to the support I have received throughout my early years, in particular Auditory Verbal therapy enabling me to develop language and communication,  as well as at school and from my family.

“I am now studying for my A Levels in English Literature, History and Politics and I have discovered I love debating! I am aiming to go to university to study a History or Politics degree (perhaps both!)”

Thomas (16) November 2025