Woodbridge swimmer Philip Nicholls was aiming for a personal best when he travelled up to Sheffield for last week’s Special Olympics - but returned home with two gold medals.
Philip, 29, who has Down Syndrome, took part in the national competition as part of the East of England team, placing first in the 50m and 25m breaststroke competitions.
Philip’s father Peter said: “He started swimming when he was about five years old.
“We are a family of sailing people so the stipulation was you cannot come sailing unless you know how to swim.
“He just went up there to see whether he could break his personal best, if he would have come away with a medal he would have been very happy.
“He did break his PB - but also come back with two gold medals.”
It was an extra special prize giving ceremony for Ipswich superfan Philip, who had his gold medals presented by former Town manager John Duncan.
Peter said although Philip was too young to remember him managing Ipswich Town, he appreciated the association with his favourite club.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here