Hamilton going for gold in Berlin

The 17-year-old, who is part of the Irish Paralympic squad, will be hoping to turn in strong performances in the S14 100m breaststroke, 100m backstroke and 200m freestyle as he bids to qualify for the World Championships in August.

Back in March, the Doagh lad came away from the British Junior Disability short course championships in Sheffield with two gold medals, one silver and two bronze when he was part of the Ulster team.

Swimming in the learning disability class, S14, James now hopes to achieve personal best times and gain valuable long course racing experience in the German senior gala which is expected to attract worldwide competition.

Events for athletes such as James with a learning disability have recently been reintroduced into the Paralympics following a lengthy period of exclusion.