THE FORMER Farmor’s School pupil, Alex Cohoon was thrilled to learn recently that not only has he been picked to swim in the Men’s 4 x 100m freestyle relay at the Paris Olympics, but he has now won a place to compete in the Men’s 50m freestyle, writes Chris Roberts MBE. 

The 21-year old from Fairford put in a stunning performance at the London Aquatics Centre at the beginning of April and was initially selected to compete for Team GB in the Paris Olympics alongside Tom Dean, Matt Richards and Duncan Scott in the Men’s 4 x 100m freestyle relay.

Now it seems that Alex is also in with a chance of competing in the individual Men’s 50m freestyle.

During the heats in London last April that determine who will be selected for the British swimming team for Paris 2024, Alex finished in third place just behind Matt Richards.

Alex has now been offered the chance to take Matt Richards’ place in the 50m freestyle, as Matt is also swimming in the 100m and 200m freestyle races.

Team GB will set off for Paris later this month arriving in time for Alex to take part in the heats and the final of his first race – the Men’s 4 x 100m freestyle relay – on Saturday July 27 at the iconic Paris La Défense Arena.

His second bite of the Olympic medal cherry will be the heats and semi-final of the individual Men’s 50m freestyle on Thursday August 1 and the final on Friday August 2.

Olympic medal winner, Sharron Davies, who Alex met last month will be cheering for Alex at the Paris Olympics as she will be poolside commentating for the BBC.