Martynas Kazakevicius is one of GBDSC promising young athletes with remarkable drive and determination. Starting competitive swimming later than some he has made incredible progress in a short time to qualify for these Deaflympics.
How and when did you start swimming?
In my opinion, I started swimming competitively much later than most. Although I had swum casually throughout my life, it wasn’t until 2021 that I began taking the sport seriously. My parents, who are originally from Lithuania—a country known for producing several Olympic swimmers—were the ones who encouraged me to give competitive swimming a real try.
I joined Wycombe District Swimming Club, and thanks to the amazing coaches there, my progression has been very quick. I took part in my first gala in 2022, and it’s incredible to think that only three years later, I’m competing at the Deaflympics.
What I’ve loved most about swimming is making so many new friends outside of school and seeing how far I’ve come since I started. There’s no better feeling than finishing a race, looking up at the board, and seeing a new personal best time. Of course, there have been times when I didn’t hit my PBs—but instead of getting discouraged, I’ve used those moments as motivation to keep improving.
In my opinion, I started swimming competitively much later than most. Although I had swum casually throughout my life, it wasn’t until 2021 that I began taking the sport seriously. My parents, who are originally from Lithuania—a country known for producing several Olympic swimmers—were the ones who encouraged me to give competitive swimming a real try.
I joined Wycombe District Swimming Club, and thanks to the amazing coaches there, my progression has been very quick. I took part in my first gala in 2022, and it’s incredible to think that only three years later, I’m competing at the Deaflympics.
What I’ve loved most about swimming is making so many new friends outside of school and seeing how far I’ve come since I started. There’s no better feeling than finishing a race, looking up at the board, and seeing a new personal best time. Of course, there have been times when I didn’t hit my PBs—but instead of getting discouraged, I’ve used those moments as motivation to keep improving.
Competitions
I began competing soon after joining Wycombe District Swimming Club, taking part in a number of exciting meets across the country. In 2025, I competed at the Aquatics GB Next Gen Championships, where I placed 8th in the male 14/16 4x200m freestyle relay and 9th in the 4x100m freestyle relay. That same summer, I raced at the Swim England Summer Meet, gaining valuable experience against some of the best swimmers in the country.
One of the highlights of the season was taking part in the Arena League Cup Final, an incredible team event that pushed me to perform my best and showed just how much progress I’ve made since my first gala. Each competition has helped me grow in confidence, both in and out of the pool, and motivated me to keep aiming higher.
I began competing soon after joining Wycombe District Swimming Club, taking part in a number of exciting meets across the country. In 2025, I competed at the Aquatics GB Next Gen Championships, where I placed 8th in the male 14/16 4x200m freestyle relay and 9th in the 4x100m freestyle relay. That same summer, I raced at the Swim England Summer Meet, gaining valuable experience against some of the best swimmers in the country.
One of the highlights of the season was taking part in the Arena League Cup Final, an incredible team event that pushed me to perform my best and showed just how much progress I’ve made since my first gala. Each competition has helped me grow in confidence, both in and out of the pool, and motivated me to keep aiming higher.
What drives your training?
What drives me in training is the motivation to keep improving and make the most of every opportunity that comes my way. I want to keep pushing my limits, building on my progress, and seeing how far my hard work can take me.
I’m also really looking forward to exploring Tokyo and experiencing everything Japan has to offer — especially the food! It’s one of the places I’ve always dreamed of visiting, and it feels incredible that swimming and the Deaflympics have made that dream possible. None of this would have happened without the support of my parents, and I’m truly grateful to them for encouraging me every step of the way.
What drives me in training is the motivation to keep improving and make the most of every opportunity that comes my way. I want to keep pushing my limits, building on my progress, and seeing how far my hard work can take me.
I’m also really looking forward to exploring Tokyo and experiencing everything Japan has to offer — especially the food! It’s one of the places I’ve always dreamed of visiting, and it feels incredible that swimming and the Deaflympics have made that dream possible. None of this would have happened without the support of my parents, and I’m truly grateful to them for encouraging me every step of the way.
What events have you qualified for in Tokyo?
Through consistent training and determination, I’ve earned the opportunity to compete at the Tokyo Deaflympics. I’ve qualified for the 50m, 100m, 200m, and 400m Freestyle; the 50m, 100m, and 200m Backstroke; the 50m Butterfly; and the 200m Individual Medley.
Reaching this stage feels like a huge milestone in my swimming journey. Representing Great Britain at such a prestigious event is something I’m incredibly proud of, and I’m grateful to my family, friends, and coaches for their constant encouragement and belief in me.
Through consistent training and determination, I’ve earned the opportunity to compete at the Tokyo Deaflympics. I’ve qualified for the 50m, 100m, 200m, and 400m Freestyle; the 50m, 100m, and 200m Backstroke; the 50m Butterfly; and the 200m Individual Medley.
Reaching this stage feels like a huge milestone in my swimming journey. Representing Great Britain at such a prestigious event is something I’m incredibly proud of, and I’m grateful to my family, friends, and coaches for their constant encouragement and belief in me.
Keep showing up, even when you don't feel like it
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