Local Paralympic swimmer Harry Stewart is preparing for the pinnacle of his swimming career as he heads to Paris to compete in the 100m breaststroke at the upcoming Paralympic Games. The 20-year-old, who has Asperger’s, is part of Team GB and will make his debut on September 2nd.

Harry, who received a £1,000 grant from the Dorset Community Foundation’s Lord Lieutenant’s Fund for Young and Talented to support his training, expressed his excitement: “It feels surreal. One minute the Games feel far away, and the next they’re just around the corner.”

His journey to the Games has been marked by intense preparation, including a training camp in Turkey and a personal best gold medal win at the British Championships in Sheffield. Despite the whirlwind, Harry remains focused: “Right now, I’m just pushing all the other emotions aside and concentrating on my performance.”

Joining the GB squad this year, Harry has already felt the camaraderie: “The team welcomed me with open arms. It’s inspiring to train alongside champions like Maisie Somers-Newton. The support from everyone, including the coaches, has been amazing.”

Harry’s goal is clear: to win a Paralympic medal and prove that disabilities like his are no barrier to success. He said: “Sport, especially swimming, built my confidence during tough times at school. I want to show that having ASD or a learning impairment is nothing to be ashamed of—you can achieve great things.”

His confidence is bolstered by his recent achievements. “If I can set a personal best after such tough training, I’m in a very good place,” he said. Ranked fourth or fifth globally, Harry believes the final results will come down to who performs best on the day.

Family support will be strong, with his mother Dinah and brother Louis cheering him on from the poolside. Reflecting on what lies ahead, Harry said: “Walking out into the Paralympic final will be emotional for all of us. Just being there, competing against the world’s best, is something I’m really looking forward to.”

The Dorset Community Foundation, alongside local sponsor Superior Seals, provides financial assistance to help young talent like Harry overcome barriers to success. Their support has been instrumental in Harry’s journey.

To learn more about the Dorset Community Foundation’s work, visit dorsetcommunityfoundation.org.