A TEENAGER from Bradford hopes to represent his country on the international stage after claiming nine medals at two national lifesaving competitions.

Sam Lawman, 19, of Idle, claimed two individual national titles with gold medals in the 50-metre manikin carry and the 100m rescue medley at the Royal Life Saving Society (RLSS) National Speed Championships, held in the London Aquatic Centre.

He also took honours in team competitions at the same event, by winning two relays.

His team, which also included Richard Jagger, of Pudsey, Simon Worne, of Rotherham and Andrew Kane, of Blythe, who set national records in the 4x25m manikin relay and 100m rescue medley.

These competitions involved the team competing in a relay race where each team member had to swim carrying a manikin filled with water which weighed 50 kilogrammes.

This took his total medal haul to five golds, two individual, and two silvers at the event.

Sam has now also won a place on the Great Britain performance squad, where he will be competing for his country in a range of future international events.

He was also part of a team from Sheffield Universities which finished second in the BULSCA (British University Lifesaving Clubs Association) Championships held in Bristol.

Here, his medal haul included a gold and claimed a new student record in the 50m manikin carry and rescue medley.

He took gold in the 200m obstacle race and a bronze in the 100m manikin carry.

His latest haul of medals follows being part of the winning squad in the RLSS National Club Simulated Emergency Response Championship seniors category for Team Yorkshire last year.

Sam, who has previously represented the City of Bradford Swimming Club, said: "It feels amazing to win all of these gold medals.

"It was great for our universities team to come third overall as well. We had to work well as a team.

"All of the races are decided on points and you get 20 points for a win.

"We had to simulate rescue scenarios both in and out of the pool.

"I really want to get selected for the European Championships this year and then the World Championships next year.

"It seems like quite a strange sport to follow if you don't do it."