GB Swimmer

Academy boys inspired by gold-medal swimmers

Tuesday 07 September 2021 11:30

Manchester United Academy's MANUSS boys had a special reason to celebrate the success of two British swimmers when they won gold medals at the recent Paralympics.

The two swimmers in question, Hannah Russell MBE and Tully Kearney, had both spent a day with the MANUSS boys, attending Ashton-on-Mersey School, in preparation for the Tokyo 2020 Games.

MANUSS is a scheme in which boys aged twelve to sixteen are engaged in a specialist education and enrichment programme alongside their wider football development.

A group of Team GB swimmers enjoyed a collaboration day with United’s Under-15s, many of whom have now started their scholarships with the club.

Both sets of athletes met at the National Aquatics Centre in Manchester for a swimming session before heading to Carrington for adapted football practice.

The two teams then shared inspirational stories about the various obstacles they have overcome, their motivations and learnings from their individual sports.

The group of Team GB swimmers enjoyed a collaboration day with United’s Under-15s.
Fast forward to 2021 and Russell is celebrating with her gold medal in the S12 100m backstroke at the Paralympic Games. Russell came into the sport aged 14 and broke the backstroke world record on her way to gold at Rio 2016.

Another member of the group at Carrington was Kearney, who smashed the world record as she won gold in the women’s S4 100m freestyle. Tully’s victory added to the silver that she secured in the S5 200m freestyle on the opening day of the Games.

United’s MANUSS boys learnt a great deal from the whole group, witnessing first-hand the level of dedication that it takes to succeed in difficult circumstances, and were thrilled by Hannah and Tully’s Tokyo success.
The collaboration day was part of the Academy’s wider enrichment programme. Recently the boys have been taking part in the Duke of Edinburgh bronze award and also took the opportunity to develop their digital skills through a technology workshop at a local firm.

They have also enjoyed community work supporting pupils at Kingfisher School, a special needs primary school in Oldham. Coaching and communication skills were further enhanced when the group ran training sessions at Sir Tom Finney Soccer School in Preston.

Everyone at Manchester United would like to congratulate Hannah and Tully on their incredible achievements in Tokyo.

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