Newbury swimmer takes on worlds best as he proves himself on the world stage in Luxembourg and Dubai competitions

A Newbury swimmer has been proving himself against some of the best competitors in the world.

Kaleb Fox-Jones, 18, was selected for the 26-strong team from South East Swim England who travelled to Luxembourg for the renowned Euro Meet at the end of January.

The St Bartholomew’s School student finished in the top 10 after making the A finals in both the 50m backstroke and 100m freestyle events, where he found himself up against Chad Le Clos, the South African Olympic and Commonwealth champion.

He also took part in the freestyle relay.

"It is such an achievement to be selected for this as he’s swimming among some of the fastest guys in Europe, with Commonwealth and Olympic record holders," said Emma Harris Commissar, head coach at Newbury Swimming Club, where Fox-Jones trains.

"Myself and the club are very proud of him and believe it’s just a taste of what’s to come."

He is currently in Dubai, taking part in a training programme and three day meet as part of the DiSE (Diploma in Sporting Excellence).

This is a programme designed to meet the needs of student athletes who exhibit the potential to achieve sporting excellence.

And he is certainly doing that.

Fox-Jones put in a stunning swim in the 50m butterfly – not usually his favoured event – to take the gold and set a new meet record.

He also took gold in the 50m backstroke.

He was one of 75 DiSE swimmers from the UK who attended the camp and the three days of racing at the Middle East Open and Junior Championships (MEOJC), where the British contingent faces more than 900 other swimmers from 54 international academies.

The group were joined in Dubai by a 27-strong workforce which includes Swim England talent staff, coaches, physiotherapists, strength and conditioning coaches and an athlete lifestyle advisor.

Former alumni of the course include Adam Peaty and Rebecca Adlington.