Tom Derbyshire swims to two gold medals

The rising star, who turns 18 next week, came out on top in the 1,500m freestyle and 400m at the Energy Standard Cup, held in Lignano, Italy.

The competition saw 50 of England's top young swimmers showcase their talent against some of the toughest age group competitors from across the globe.

The event was part of the England Programmes' talent development system. Derbyshire's double was part of 20 gold medals for England – a haul that secured a third placed finish overall.

Derbyshire, who swims for Stafford Apex and also represents The Royal School Wolverhampton Swimming Club, saw off competition from Ukraine's Kyrylo Garashchenko to land the 400m free gold.

In the junior boys category, Derbyshire's three minutes 56.32 seconds finish was narrowly enough to beat Garashchenko, who was just fractions behind in three minutes 56.98 seconds.

But Derbyshire was much more comfortable in the 1,500m race, against coming out on top with his Ukrainian rival again in second place.

A 15 minutes 25.93 seconds finish saw him touch in an impressive 23 seconds ahead of Garashchenko.

The Midland hopeful is not short of medal experience, after his clean-sweep of gold, silver and bronze in last year's Commonwealth Youth Games in Samoa.

Derbyshire said on Twitter: "Nice to get back on track with two golds out in Italy with a great team."