St Ives Swimming Club's (SISC) William Roberts has won an incredible three medals at the Down Syndrome European Championships, helping Team GB become European champions.

William travelled to Padova in Italy for an exciting, exhausting and exhilarating week of swimming from September 5-9 alongside 32 other Team GB compatriots, eager to show off their talents.

Racing against competitors from nine other European countries, William picked up a silver medal in the 4x100m mixed freestyle and another in the 4x200m men's freestyle.

The Hunts Post: William prepared for each race doing deep breathing drills with his coach.William prepared for each race doing deep breathing drills with his coach. (Image: Joh Sydenham)

William was given the honour of racing in the final event of the championships, splashing home with a bronze medal in the 4x100m men's freestyle to round off the competition in style.

William raced in the first leg for each relay, keeping the team in second position very close behind the team in front.

William's mum, Joh Sydeham, was with him in Itlay cheering him on and said: "He was terrific, bearing in mind he had had morning races and finals on both afternoons before the relays.

"I am immensely proud of him. He always wore his SISC hat under his GB hat."

The Hunts Post: William celebrated with the Team GB flag following his relay silver medal.William celebrated with the Team GB flag following his relay silver medal. (Image: Joh Sydenham)

Team GB finished the championships with 742 points, beating second-placed Italy by 234 points, as Team GB blitzed through the competition.

READ MORE:

William also raced in individual events superbly well, setting countless personal best times, coming fifth place in the 200m backstroke in the "race of his life".

The Hunts Post: William on the blocks ready for take-off.William on the blocks ready for take-off. (Image: Joh Sydenham)

He also qualified for the 200m individual medley finals in third, with a personal best time of 3.22.50, before just missing out in the finals, finishing in sixth.

The head coach at SISC, Andy Hunter, said: "We at St Ives and I, as his Head Coach, are all immensely proud of William and his ongoing excellent results as he gets stronger, more confident and adaptive on the international stage, which he relishes and embraces every time he represents his country.

The Hunts Post: William with the European Championship trophy.William with the European Championship trophy. (Image: Joh Sydenham)

"An excellent, inspiring and motivating ambassador for total swimming inclusion where focus and ability shines through."