Little A has always been a water baby. He loved the water since before he could walk properly, and when he did become mobile he wasted no time in escaping our apartment, climbing over the gate, and making his way to the building swimming pool - before he was two years old.
By the time he was four he had taught himself swimming, a combination of doggy paddle and breaststroke kick, and would happily paddle the entire 20 metre length of the pool every single day.
Big A was once a National Swimmer, but refused to teach his son so he could always be the "fun" swimming companion rather than the disciplinarian stroke perfectionist (as his dad - himself a former Olympic athlete - was with him and his brother).
Akiko Thompson Swim School tied up with Little A's school a few years ago for swim classes once a week during term time. Little A formed a bond with Coach Honey, and she has been coming to train him on Saturdays as well, and up to thrice a week during the summer.
From his invented doggy paddle to "proper" strokes, Coach tells us he will soon be ready for a proper competition. We look forward to cheering him on, but first, he needs to master diving.
