Nathan Young is one of GBDSC’s standout athletes — a driven and talented swimmer whose dedication and skill continue to make waves in deaf sport. At just 25, Nathan is gearing up for his second Deaflympics, a remarkable milestone. With years of hard work, passion, and perseverance behind him, Nathan is ready to represent Great Britain once again on the world stage.
How and when did you start swimming?
I feel very fortunate to have learned to swim through lessons at my local pool. As I grew older, I began to experience rapidly deteriorating hearing loss, which made it increasingly difficult to join in with team sports — something I had always wanted to do more than anything. On the few occasions I played football, it often ended badly; I couldn’t hear my teammates calling out or the manager’s directions, which left me feeling isolated and frustrated.
I realised I needed a space where I could truly thrive — somewhere I could focus, push myself, and enjoy the challenge without the constant stress. That space turned out to be the swimming pool. I was already attending lessons at my local baths, and when I found out they also had a club, I decided to give it a try. A few weeks later, I went for a trial — and that’s where my swimming journey began.
In the water, everything felt different. I could focus entirely on myself, without worrying about missing instructions or falling behind. Swimming quickly became my escape — a place where I could push my limits, improve, and achieve at my own pace. What I loved most was the sense of freedom and control it gave me. Unlike in other areas of my life, I could set my own goals and see the results of my hard work. Each small milestone — mastering a new technique, moving up a lane, or beating a personal best — gave me a real sense of pride.
I also came to love the challenge itself. Swimming pushed me both physically and mentally, but in a way that felt motivating rather than overwhelming. It gave me confidence, a sense of purpose, and the satisfaction of knowing that through dedication and persistence, I could overcome obstacles and succeed on my own terms.
From that moment on, I was hooked. My goal was always to keep improving — to move up to the next lane, then the next group, until I finally reached the top group, leading my lane. Swimming became so much more than just a sport to me; it became a source of pride, growth, and self-belief.
I feel very fortunate to have learned to swim through lessons at my local pool. As I grew older, I began to experience rapidly deteriorating hearing loss, which made it increasingly difficult to join in with team sports — something I had always wanted to do more than anything. On the few occasions I played football, it often ended badly; I couldn’t hear my teammates calling out or the manager’s directions, which left me feeling isolated and frustrated.
I realised I needed a space where I could truly thrive — somewhere I could focus, push myself, and enjoy the challenge without the constant stress. That space turned out to be the swimming pool. I was already attending lessons at my local baths, and when I found out they also had a club, I decided to give it a try. A few weeks later, I went for a trial — and that’s where my swimming journey began.
In the water, everything felt different. I could focus entirely on myself, without worrying about missing instructions or falling behind. Swimming quickly became my escape — a place where I could push my limits, improve, and achieve at my own pace. What I loved most was the sense of freedom and control it gave me. Unlike in other areas of my life, I could set my own goals and see the results of my hard work. Each small milestone — mastering a new technique, moving up a lane, or beating a personal best — gave me a real sense of pride.
I also came to love the challenge itself. Swimming pushed me both physically and mentally, but in a way that felt motivating rather than overwhelming. It gave me confidence, a sense of purpose, and the satisfaction of knowing that through dedication and persistence, I could overcome obstacles and succeed on my own terms.
From that moment on, I was hooked. My goal was always to keep improving — to move up to the next lane, then the next group, until I finally reached the top group, leading my lane. Swimming became so much more than just a sport to me; it became a source of pride, growth, and self-belief.
Competitions
I first represented deaf swimming at 15 when I attended the World Deaf Swimming Championships in Texas, USA, where I made my first final, becoming one of the youngest in the team to do so. This was followed by the Deaflympics in 2017, where I was part of the bronze-medal-winning team in the 4x100 mixed relay. Since then, I have climbed the rankings as an individual swimmer, placing 4th in the 200m butterfly at the European Championships and 5th at the World Championships in Argentina also breaking a record which had been held for 34 years. I think that’s quite an achievement.
2015 – World Championships - USA ·
2017 – Deaflympics – Bronze Medallist - Turkey ·
2018 – Europeans Championships - Poland ·
2019 – World Championships - Brazil
2021 – European Short Course Championships - Poland ·
2023 - World Championships - Argentina
I first represented deaf swimming at 15 when I attended the World Deaf Swimming Championships in Texas, USA, where I made my first final, becoming one of the youngest in the team to do so. This was followed by the Deaflympics in 2017, where I was part of the bronze-medal-winning team in the 4x100 mixed relay. Since then, I have climbed the rankings as an individual swimmer, placing 4th in the 200m butterfly at the European Championships and 5th at the World Championships in Argentina also breaking a record which had been held for 34 years. I think that’s quite an achievement.
2015 – World Championships - USA ·
2017 – Deaflympics – Bronze Medallist - Turkey ·
2018 – Europeans Championships - Poland ·
2019 – World Championships - Brazil
2021 – European Short Course Championships - Poland ·
2023 - World Championships - Argentina
What events have you qualified for in Tokyo?
I have qualified for all my main events 50, 100, 200 Fly & Freestyle, All Relays Mens/Mixed
Firstly, racing and getting the chance to compete at such a high level is incredibly exciting. Competing internationally is the only chance I get to race using a traffic light start which, having no hearing is so important. It’s the best place to be. I am so really looking forward to leading a team of new swimmers to their first international competition and seeing their faces when they realise the scale and atmosphere of the Deaflympics. I have competed as a lone GB swimmer so many times it will be a very different experience. I’m excited to see friends from all over the world, reconnecting and sharing this experience together. Beyond the pool, I’m looking forward to experiencing the culture and city of Tokyo, exploring its sights, traditions.
I have qualified for all my main events 50, 100, 200 Fly & Freestyle, All Relays Mens/Mixed
Firstly, racing and getting the chance to compete at such a high level is incredibly exciting. Competing internationally is the only chance I get to race using a traffic light start which, having no hearing is so important. It’s the best place to be. I am so really looking forward to leading a team of new swimmers to their first international competition and seeing their faces when they realise the scale and atmosphere of the Deaflympics. I have competed as a lone GB swimmer so many times it will be a very different experience. I’m excited to see friends from all over the world, reconnecting and sharing this experience together. Beyond the pool, I’m looking forward to experiencing the culture and city of Tokyo, exploring its sights, traditions.
If you’re looking to get better at swimming, the key is to keep practicing and stay patient. Set small goals and celebrate each little improvement, whether it’s learning a new technique or getting a faster time. Focus on your technique, listen to your coach, and don’t be afraid to challenge yourself. Make sure you rest when you need to, and try to stay positive — everyone has setbacks. But most importantly, enjoy it! Loving what you do is what will keep you motivated and help you improve in the long run.
This is your story, no one else’s. Write your own story
This is your story, no one else’s. Write your own story
Proud member of Stockport Metro Swimming Club. |
|