Thomas Harvey is one of GBDSC up and coming young athletes with huge potential and talent. Qualifying for his first Deaflympics since starting swimming at the tender age of 5.
How and when did you start swimming?
I first began swimming at the age of five at my local leisure centre in Epsom. My mum, having noticed that I refused to put my face in the water at home, enrolled me in lessons to help me overcome this. Over time, I progressed through the stages with different coaches and eventually joined my local club, Epsom District Swimming Club (EDSC). At the age of nine, I also became a member of the GB Deaf Swimming Club (GBDSC).
I first began swimming at the age of five at my local leisure centre in Epsom. My mum, having noticed that I refused to put my face in the water at home, enrolled me in lessons to help me overcome this. Over time, I progressed through the stages with different coaches and eventually joined my local club, Epsom District Swimming Club (EDSC). At the age of nine, I also became a member of the GB Deaf Swimming Club (GBDSC).
How did you get involved with GBDSC?
My first real introduction to the Deaf swimming community came through meeting the 2017 Deaflympians at a charity event run by the National Deaf Children’s Society. That event gave my parents and me valuable insight into the world of Deaf swimming and the role the GBDSC plays in supporting athletes on their journeys.
My first real introduction to the Deaf swimming community came through meeting the 2017 Deaflympians at a charity event run by the National Deaf Children’s Society. That event gave my parents and me valuable insight into the world of Deaf swimming and the role the GBDSC plays in supporting athletes on their journeys.
Competitions
I began competing soon after—first at the annual GBDSC championships and, increasingly, with EDSC. I also regularly attended GBDSC training weekends, which became an important part of my development. In June 2023, I travelled to Stuttgart, Germany, for my first international meet with my local club. It was an unforgettable experience, not only racing against athletes from around the world but also exploring a new culture outside the pool.
I began competing soon after—first at the annual GBDSC championships and, increasingly, with EDSC. I also regularly attended GBDSC training weekends, which became an important part of my development. In June 2023, I travelled to Stuttgart, Germany, for my first international meet with my local club. It was an unforgettable experience, not only racing against athletes from around the world but also exploring a new culture outside the pool.
What drives your training?
What keeps me motivated in the sport, beyond the competition itself, are the friendships and connections I’ve made along the way. Training can be tough—especially when it involves an early morning session in a cold pool—but the support, encouragement, and friendships I’ve experienced make it worthwhile.
What keeps me motivated in the sport, beyond the competition itself, are the friendships and connections I’ve made along the way. Training can be tough—especially when it involves an early morning session in a cold pool—but the support, encouragement, and friendships I’ve experienced make it worthwhile.
What events have you qualified for in Tokyo?
All of this dedication and support led me to qualify for the Tokyo Deaflympics in late 2024. I have made qualifying times for the 50m, 100m, 200m, and 400m Freestyle; the 100m and 200m Butterfly; and the 4x100m Mixed and Men’s Freestyle Relays. Competing at the Deaflympics has been a long-held aspiration of mine, and I feel incredibly proud to represent GB alongside my teammates, sharing this achievement with my friends and family.
All of this dedication and support led me to qualify for the Tokyo Deaflympics in late 2024. I have made qualifying times for the 50m, 100m, 200m, and 400m Freestyle; the 100m and 200m Butterfly; and the 4x100m Mixed and Men’s Freestyle Relays. Competing at the Deaflympics has been a long-held aspiration of mine, and I feel incredibly proud to represent GB alongside my teammates, sharing this achievement with my friends and family.
To anyone aspiring to progress in swimming, my advice is simple: always give your best effort and enjoy the process. You don’t need to be the fastest, strongest, or most naturally gifted. What matters most is knowing what you want to achieve and committing yourself fully to making it happen.
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