​Swimmer Nadine takes the plunge in the USA

​Swimmer Nadine takes the plunge in the USA

A NORTH Yorkshire swimming sensation has secured a dream move across the Atlantic, earning a place at an American university where she will chase her academic and athletic ambitions.

Eighteen-year-old Nadine Wilson, from Dishforth, will join William Carey University in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, in the autumn, where she will study business management while competing at collegiate level in swimming.

Nadine, who has completed her A-levels in business studies, geography and economics, has balanced her academic studies with an extraordinary training schedule, travelling more than 750 miles each week for swimming.

Over the past few years, the teenager has established herself as one of the region’s leading young swimmers, qualifying for and competing at some of the UK’s most prestigious events, her greatest achievement to date being a bronze medal in the 200m butterfly at the Swim England National Summer Meet.

Her commitment includes training before and after school, weekend sessions, strength and conditioning work, and a demanding competition calendar.

Nadine said: “I’m incredibly excited to continue both my academic and athletic journey at William Carey University. This opportunity will allow me to pursue a degree in business management while continuing to compete in the sport I love at a high level.”

Her mother, Kathryn Wilson, praised Nadine’s dedication and determination, saying: “Due to her work ethic, both in and out of the pool, I am certain she will excel at William Carey University. This is an amazing opportunity for Nadine and we are immensely proud of her achievement.”

William Carey University, a private university in Mississippi, offers student-athletes the opportunity to combine higher education with competitive collegiate sport, enabling talented young people to develop both academically and athletically.

Nadine thanked Ripon Grammar School for the support she has received throughout her time at the school as she prepares to embark on the next stage of her education and sporting career.