A FAIRFORD swimmer won two medals at the inaugural European U23 Swimming Championships. 

Great Britain’s young swimmers finished second in the medal table at the championships held in Dublin over the weekend of August 11-13, writes Chris Roberts MBE. 

The British group of 18 won 13 medals across the three days, finishing only behind the hosts, Ireland, in the overall table.

One of those that stood out was Alex Cohoon (20) from Fairford – he won an individual bronze medal in the Men’s 100m Freestyle where he was ranked 13th and a silver medal in the Mixed 4 x 100m Freestyle.

Alex narrowly missed out on another bronze medal when he finished fourth in the Men’s 50m Freestyle final just 0.11 seconds behind Vladyslav Bukhov from Ukraine.

Speaking about his bronze medal win, Alex said: “I’m glad to get on to the podium especially with Ed (Mildred).

Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard: Fairford swimmer Alex Cahoon wins two medals at under 23 European championships

"GB going first and third is a great result!

"It’s massive for me personally as it’s my first GB call up and a big learning curve.

"It feels so special to be part of the first British team taking part in this event.”

In the Mixed 4 x 100m Freestyle, Great Britain narrowly lost out on European gold to Poland.

The team of Ed Mildred, Alex Cohoon, Kate Clifton and Evelyn Davis managed a time of 3:28.52 that was just 0.20 off the Polish team and became European silver medallists.

The British team of eight women and 10 men were selected for this first event of its kind off the back of impressive performances at the 2023 British Swimming Championships.

Alex, who has already made a name for himself as ‘the one to watch’ continues to make a big splash with his successful swimming career as well as working hard on his full-time studies at Loughborough University.

British swimming head of performance development, Alan Lynn said: “The 18 athletes on this team will have the opportunity to progress their performances on the international stage, whether that is with the Olympic year of 2024 in mind or future international competitions beyond that.”