A SPLASH-happy record breaker has been named Trafford’s Sport Achiever of 2007.

Matthew Parks scooped the trophy after he broke two British records at his age level.

The 14-year-old from Altrincham was thrilled with the accolade, which is given to just one youngster a year by Trafford Council.

He said: "I’m really pleased. It is a tremendous honour to win the award and I will do my best to live up to this achievement."

Matthew, a member of the elite Swim Trafford team, broke the British records for both the 200 metres individual medley and 200 metres freestyle last year. He also won races at the UK championships.

His sights are now firmly set on the London Olympics, which he hopes will fit perfectly into his academic schedule, aiming to take a year off between school and university in 2012 to focus on Olympic preparation.

Already swimming for 16 hours each week in eight sessions, beginning most mornings at 5.15am, the Manchester Grammar schoolboy puts his success down to hard work.

"If you want to improve your times you have just got to train," added the teenager from Trafford.

"There is no short cut – it’s all about hard work."

After school he then trains from 4.30pm to 6.30pm, later completing his academic studies before going to bed no later than 9.30pm to make sure he is ready for his early morning training sessions. Matthew would like to study medicine at university and understands that if both his sporting and academic ambitions are to be realised he has some tough challenges ahead.

He said: "Obviously it is hard work, but I genuinely enjoy it and I have great support from my family, my school and my club.

"The ultimate objective of making the Olympics is worth the effort."

Manchester Grammar School High Master Dr Christopher Ray said: "Many young people dream of Olympic success. Few have the dedication and talent needed to realise their dreams.

"However, Matthew has tremendous determination backed by an awesome ability."

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