Sam Black – who studies at West Suffolk College – also has ambitions to compete at a Paralympic Games
A swimmer is making a splash by competing for Ireland in international tournaments.
19-year-old Sam Black who lives near Diss took up swimming at the age of five.
His ambitions took a dive when he was diagnosed with diabetes in his teens – and he thought his dreams of making it to the big time were over as he lay on a hospital bed.
But the teenager – who has spent three years on construction related courses at West Suffolk College – showed great resilience and persisted with his ambitions – and he first got to wear the colours of his country earlier this year at a tournament in Barcelona.
It’s been an up and down journey for Sam, yet despite having to overcome adversity, the Suffolk based swim speedster (who competes in 50 and 100 metre events) still has ambitions of representing his country of birth on a Paralympic stage.
His most recent challenge saw him take part in the Para World Series in Berlin between 5-7 May 2026. During this tournament, he gained a personal best (PB) time in the 100 metres fly – shaving off two seconds from his previous PB.
Sam takes up the story: “Growing up, I was a bit of a jack of a box in school and told I wouldn’t amount to very much as I’m dyslexic – so I found swimming helped me escape from it all.
“When I was getting in my teens, my coach started to think that I could go far with this.
“Then in my later teens, I got diagnosed with type 1 diabetes that affects your pancreas (at the age of 15) – that hit me back and I thought I can’t do this anymore.
“But with everything, you have to try and fail – learn from everything – and move forward.
“So, I tried, worked out how my body works in terms of eating and exercise and I’m still learning. Every day is different with my condition.
“Without failure you won’t learn – without learning you won’t succeed. I use that metaphor every time I race – and try and get better. I’m an S14 swimmer (for elite athletes with intellectual impairments and learning disabilities) and I’ve been swimming nationally. I reached out to them (The Irish Paralympic team), and they said my times were good enough for international competitions. So, I went to Spain in March this year and got a few personal bests and did the same in Berlin this month.
“I’m a sprinter by trade (specialising in the 50 and 100 in freestyle, fly and backstroke) and I just want to go and enjoy it and do my best.”
Sam – who trains at the City of Norwich Club for ten hours a week – continues: “My main aim is to keep getting faster in the pool – and if I do that – things like the Paralympic games in LA or Brisbane will come. LA would be great – but Brisbane is more realistic. To get there would be an achievement in itself.
“Three years ago, I was in a hospital bed weighing 50kg – so taking this moment right now and representing Ireland is a bonus. And when you wear that hat for your country, it is a very proud moment. You think of your coach, yourself, your family and friends – and everyone who helped you get there.”
And what of the college?
Sam said: “I did two years of carpentry – but started a building and property maintenance level 2 course in 2025. It’s been going well and I’ve broadened my knowledge of all the different aspects of the building trade. In relation to swimming, my lecturers are backing me all the way.”
And if there are any other Sam’s out there who are in hospital now and think their dream is over, Sam has a word of advice.
He said: “Don’t quit – you will have doubts – so have resilience in yourself to be better and you will be able to get to where you want to go.”
Dale Potter is a General Maintenance Course Director at West Suffolk College and Eastern Education Group. Dale said: “Sam is a highly dedicated swimmer. His goal is to secure a place at the next Paralympic Games, and he’s well on his way. His training schedule is incredibly demanding – often travelling to Norwich before or after college to ensure he meets the standards required at his level.
“Alongside this, Sam also works part-time with a cabinet maker on days when he’s not in college, manages type 1 diabetes and dyslexia – whilst consistently demonstrating extraordinary determination. He is a fantastic example of where dedication and commitment can take you, and we are incredibly proud of everything he has achieved.”
