A YOUNG Wirral swimmer will by flying the flag for England when he takes the plunge in the World Deaf Swimming Championships in Texas.

Nathan Young, from Wallasey, is one of 15 swimmers to be selected to represent Team GB Deaf Swimming Club in the tournament next August.

The 15-year-old, who began swimming at the age of nine, is profoundly deaf as a result of a genetic condition which has seen his hearing deteriorate rapidly since being diagnosed as a toddler.

Seven weeks ago, Nathan - who attends Kingsmead School – underwent a double cochlear implant operation but is already back to his full six days a week training.

Proud mum Lisa said: “Deafness is very isolating and Nathan is unable to socialise, listen to music, go to the cinema or talk on the phone.

“With swimming you don’t need to be able to talk to people – swimming is Nathan’s ‘normal’ like everyone else.”

Nathan, a member of Bebington Swimming Club, only returned to swimming last year after an 18 month hiatus, something that Lisa says makes her son’s success even sweeter.

“It’s an amazing achievement, especially as he only joined GB Deaf Swimming Club last December.

“It’s the team for the future, that’s what they have based their selection on.”

Before travelling to Houston next summer, Nathan will first attend the National Deaf Swimming Championships in Loughborough where he will meet his fellow teammates.

Nathan will have to complete an individual training log each month in the run up to August so his head coach can monitor his progress.

He is also required to self-fund the trip to Texas, described by his mum as an “opportunity of a lifetime”.

Lisa added: “We always knew he would be chosen but we just didn’t realise it would be so soon – we’re so very proud of him.”