SEAN KING from Beckenham is aiming to be a part of Britain's water polo squad for the 2012 Olympics, writes Dan Coombs.
Sean, 18, is currently training at the national centre of excellence in Manchester in a bid to give himself the best chance possible of being selected for the event.
After impressing in trials and being called into the British junior water polo squad at the age of 13, he has gradually moved up the ranks and is on the verge of breaking into the senior side.
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He said: "The Commonwealth games take place next year and I want to be involved.
"The Olympics are my long-term goal, though. I can be a part of the side and this is what I'm really setting my sights on."
Sean began playing water polo at Trinity School at the age of 11 and was encouraged by his teacher to join Beckenham water polo club.
From there he made the step up to become part of Invicta's water polo set-up, a club which represents the best from the Kent area.
He said: "From a young age I loved football and swimming and water polo is a perfect combination of the two.
"Fortunately, I was encouraged to play it at Trinity.
"Beckenham acts as a feeder club for Invicta and once I was 15, I was adjudged to have reached the level they look for.
"Being in Manchester at the moment is fantastic because they have amazing facilities from the Commonwealth games which were held here a few years ago."
As well as honing his water polo skills in Manchester, Sean is also studying history at university there.
He said: "The other countries have an advantage over us because for most of the European sides, the players play water polo professionally.
"Players don't have to work and study as well as train. One day I hope to play abroad professionally, perhaps in Spain or Italy.
"I had a trial out in Spain last summer, so I know what is expected."
Over recent years, however, much has been done to try and redress the balance and give Britain a good chance of competing with the best.
Sean explained: "Since the Olympics were given to London there has been a big investment in the sport which makes our lives easier.
"We all get allowances to help us with our training.
"The sport is looking up in this country and we are aiming to break into the top eight sides which tend to dominate the sport like the big four football clubs do in the Premiership.
"By the time 2012 comes around, anything can happen and we will definitely be very competitive."
Sean lists his proudest achievement as being selected for the European Championship squad in 2006 in an age group ahead of his own.
He said: "I was picked to play in the 1987 age group even though I was only born in 1989.
"The championships were in Romania and it was great to play there because I was very much involved in every game."
Sean is currently living in Manchester with some of his teammates, which is good for him as they understand the after-effects of a tough game.
He said: "It's a very tough and demanding sport. You certainly know you've been in a game afterwards because it can take a full day to recover."
Sean's rise to the top has been a credit to himself and Invicta's water polo side.
He is a very well spoken young man who is clearly determined to achieve his goals.
With his talent, drive and Britain's top coaching facilities at his disposal, there is no reason why he cannot be a part of Britain's senior set up as soon as next year before concentrating on London 2012.
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