Olympians in Rio making us all very proud

After setting a new personal best in the heats to reach the final of the men’s 400m individual medley, the former Badsworth CE J&I School pupil finished fourth, narrowly missing out on the bronze medal.

Max’s time in the final of four minutes, 11.62 was his personal best again and set a new English record.

He said afterwards: “It was an honour to be the first British guy out in the first finals session at an Olympic Games.

“Competing at the Olympics is what everyone dreams of and to be able to go out there and swim fast and swim well is amazing. Hopefully that will spur the team on for the rest of the week.”

The 21-year-old, who is at the games for the first time, added: “I’m very happy. It’s a shame to come in fourth and miss out (on a medal), but two PBs in a day, I can’t complain at that really.”

Max is one of 26 athletes from West Yorkshire competing in Rio.

Wakefield Council offered its congratulations to him and Wakefield diver Alicia Blagg, who also competed for Team GB in aquatics last weekend.

Alicia, a member of the diving squad, finished sixth with partner Rebecca Gallantree in 3m springboard synchronised diving. They improved on their score and placing from the London 2012 Olympics.

Coun Denise Jeffery,the council’s deputy leader, said: “Congratulations to Alicia and Max. We’re very proud of these local sports stars and all they have achieved.

“They have worked incredibly hard and showed great dedication to get this far. We hope they inspire other local sportsmen and women to aspire to achieve similar goals.

“There are many clubs and activities happening for everyone to get more involved in sport across the district.”