Millfield swimmer on world-class pathway achieves outstanding GCSE results

Millfield swimmer Adam Graham who won a silver and three bronze medals at the British Summer Championship has received fantastic GCSE results.  

The 16-year-old national swim champion, who is half Australian and English joined Millfield in Year 7, has achieved 7 grade 9s, 1 grade 8 and 1 grade 7 in his GCSEs. During his time at Millfield so far Adam’s talent potential has been spotted and he is on to the British Swimming World Class Programme. He has learnt to balance his sporting commitments with his academic studies. He said, “During various exam periods, my coaches and I sat down together and adapted my training programme to better aid me with preparation, while also maintaining a good level of training and down-time. My housemaster, tutor and subject teachers have always been supportive, offering a listening ear and flexibility when needed.” 

Adam has thrived since joining Millfield and in Year 9 he completed a 10km swim in aid of three charities responding to the Australian wildfires, raising an outstanding $10,272.  

Reminiscing on his time at Millfield so far, Adam said “My Millfield swimming experience so far has been second to none, allowing me to compete at top level meets across the country, alongside some incredible teammates and coaches. For me, what stands out about Millfield Swimming is the coaches and their ideology, focussing on the longevity of swimmers and being able to support and adapt to their specific needs.” 

He interviewed one of his swimming heroes and Old Mllfieldian, James Guy, prior to the Tokyo Olympic Games when James came back to campus to inspire the next generation of swimmers.  

Outside of the pool, Adam has been dedicated to his studies and developed his leadership skills through his role as Head Boy at Millfield Prep in Year 8.  

Director of Swimming Euan Dale said "Adam is a gifted individual who has a work ethic and desire to match. He is constantly pushing the boundaries and making the most of all the opportunities that Millfield has to offer. Having come through our Prep School programme, it is great to see Adam continuing to thrive both in the classroom and pool." 

Following his results Adam will be continuing at Millfield in the Sixth Form studying A-levels in Biology, Geography and Maths. When thinking about his future after Millfield, he said, “While nothing is set in stone, I have ambitions to go to University in the USA or UK, where I will aim continue my swimming journey and strive to reach my goal of representing my country at the highest level.”