HEREFORD swimmer James Bilbao will be looking to make a splash at the 2017 School Games National Finals.

The 16-year-old City of Hereford Swimming Club member will be part of the England Central squad that will compete at the event that runs from today until Sunday at Loughborough University.

Bilbao already has an impressive record, which includes claiming a bronze medal at the ASA National Winter Meet over 25m.

And he will be be hoping to follow in the footsteps of some of Britain’s biggest sporting stars who have competed at the event before going on to senior international success.

Previous competitors include Paralympic champions Hannah Cockroft, Ellie Simmonds and Jonnie Peacock, Olympic champion Adam Peaty, heptathlete Katarina Johnson-Thompson and GB sprinter Adam Gemili.

“The School Games National Finals provide a great opportunity for talented young athletes like James,” says Ali Oliver, chief executive officer of the Youth Sport Trust.

“Competitors get a real taste of what it’s like to be part of a world-class sporting event at the amazing sporting venues of Loughborough University, and the event is a great way to see our future sporting champions in action today.”