Funky Trunks UK F-Teamer Jacob Whittle loves drag racing and clearly loves going even faster himself in the pool. The 14 year old (turns 15 in September) smashed out a 50.37 and a 23.63 in his 100 and 50 free at British Champs last week breaking his own British Age Records. Put his 100 time into context, Caeleb Dressel as a 14 year old swam a 52.53, Kyle Chalmers swam a 50.86 as a 'little' 14 year old giant in 2013. Jacob is a body length ahead of Kyle making him the fastest 14 year old EVER over the 100. Ok he's got a long way to go before the real comparisons can start with these guys but with a great coach and squad in Jamie Main at Derventio Excel and a level head (Jacob loves to do the gardening which is surely a head levelling activity) this speed demon is planning to go a long way in as little time as he can.

After such a stand out performance it's not surprising that Jacob has been named on the British 2019 European Junior Champs team alongside other Funky Trunks and Funkita F-Team athletes Archie Goodburn, Mia Slevin, Sophie Freeman, Maisie Elliot, Pia Murray, Freya Colbert and Honey Osrin.

British swimming royalty and Funkita swimmer Aimee Willmott (who just qualified for her third World Championships) caught up with J the Jet Whittle after his magic swim.

What's your favourite distance?

The 100 is one of the favourites because I seem to get into more of a rhythm and also I have great pace to go out but still have the strong back end. How ever the 200 is still a close contender.

What was going through your head before the 100 freestyle final at British Champs?

Before the 100 I was not particularly worrying or thinking much because Jamie (coach) is outstanding at keeping me cal and he was also great at showing me that at this meet I had nothing to lose. I did and amazing swim in the morning and I was ver pleased with what I did so I had relaxed mindset going into the final.