Team GB Paralympic medal winner Harriet Lee takes on coaching role at Cambridgeshire-based LittleAqua Academy

The next generation of swimmers at LittleAqua Academy are set to be inspired by a double Paralympic medal winner.

Harriet Lee, who clinched a 100m SB9 breaststroke bronze at London 2012 and followed it up with a silver in the same event four years later in Rio de Janeiro, has been appointed the elite swimming manager of the Cambridgeshire organisation’s recently-formed swimming club.

And owner Jeremy Burridge, who launched LittleAqua Academy in October 2022 as part of the county’s biggest private swim school, is hoping Lee’s involvement will help to keep youngsters interested in the sport.

“Swimming is an individual sport. It can be lonely and so we find at the age of 12 and 13, kids are leaving to take up team sports like football, cricket and netball,” said Burridge, who coached Lee prior to her Paralympic success.

“Harriet is a big inspiration. She came to one of the sessions recently with her medals and you could see the impact it had on the kids.

“For some of them it might be the only chance they get to see one, but for others it might inspire them to kick on and try to get one of their own.

“She’ll be very hands on in the role. I’ve known Harriet for many years and she has a great way of teaching children.

“She’ll be second to none in this role and we’re delighted to have her involved within the club.”