Deaf swimmer fundraises to attend Tokyo games

Nathan Carrington is set to represent Team GB at the Deaflympics in Tokyo in November

A teenage swimmer who has qualified to compete in this year's Deaflympics is fundraising to travel to the event.

Nathan Carrington, who was born deaf, has been breaking British deaf swimming records for his age group since he was 10 years old.

The 17-year-old, from York, is set to represent Team GB in the Olympics-inspired international event in Japan in November, but does not receive financial help to take part.

Like other deaf athletes, he will need to raise about £5,000 to secure his travel and accommodation costs for the Tokyo games.

Nathan's dad, Dave Carrington, said the journey for his son to reach elite levels in the sport had been "superb all the way through".

"From a very young age, he took to swimming," he said.

"It's never been the easiest.

"Being deaf, it's difficult to communicate some days but it's proof that if you love the sport enough, you can make it to the very top and get the opportunities for yourself."

Nathan became a junior champion at 14 years old

The family have set up a fundraising page for Nathan's trip, which has so far raised more than £2,000.

"When this sort of thing comes round, the deaf athletes need to find their own money to be able to take part," Mr Carrington said.

"Being selected is only half the battle for a lot of them.

"Many don't get to attend top events because they can't financially get themselves there."

• 'We have to fund the Deaflympics ourselves'

• 'A lot of people don't even know about the lack of exposure and funding'

At the age of 14, Nathan, who swims for York City Baths Club (YCBC), became the junior champion in every stroke and the open-age champion in breaststroke.

According to YCBC, he has been the standout deaf breaststroke swimmer, winning the national title for the fourth consecutive year at the 2025 GB Deaf Championships.

Nathan, who is also captain of the Team GB deaf swimming team, said: "I'm really proud to be able to represent Team GB and am very excited to take part in the Deaflympics in Tokyo."

His dad, who is a swimming coach, said his son had worked "unbelievably hard", especially while juggling his studies.

"It's been an amazing but tough journey," he said.

"Something of this magnitude is a little bit surreal.

"He certainly felt the pressure trying to get his qualifying times, so when he finally got them it was a massive weight off his shoulders."

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