Swimmer Cole wins big at World School Games in Rio de Janeiro

Bedford swimmer, Eloise Cole with her medals from the World School Games in Rio de Janeiro in August 2023
Eloise Cole with her medals from the World School Games Image: Modernian Swimming Club

Bedford’s hottest prospect in the pool, Eloise Cole can now call herself a World Champion after the 15-year old enjoyed a successful ISF World School Games competition in Brazil.

Cole picked up a gold medal as part of the 4×100 mixed medley relay team alongside two silver medals in the individual 50m fly and as part of the 4x100m freestyle relay quartet.

The number one ranked 50m fly swimmer for her age group in the UK, Cole missed out on a second World gold medal by just 0.09 seconds in the final after qualifying in fourth from the semi-final.

Read: National success for Modernian Swimming Club in Sheffield

Despite missing out on top spot, Cole’s sprint was her second best time ever in the event and cements her place as one of Britain’s leading lights in the shorter format.

Cole also finished a commendable 7th in the 100m fly final in a competitive field from countries around the world at the Barra Olympic Park in Rio de Janeiro.

Eloise Cole before the start of the ISF World School Games Image: Modernian Swimming Club

The English 4x100m mixed medley team, consisting of Cole, Gabrielle Beavers, Seren Tallantyre and Eve Doherty qualified for the final in first place and never let go of the gold, beating the likes of home hopes, Brazil and the United States to the top of the podium.

The gold medal is just further evidence that Cole is a name to look out for in the future as she continues her impressive progress in the pool on a now international stage.

The team arrive back from Rio tomorrow (Tuesday), and Cole will then be able to enjoy what is left of the Summer before the slog of the new season kicks off once again in September.

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