SWIMMING sensation Jonny Marshall has been selected in Great Britain’s squad for this summer’s Olympic Games – thanks to his mother’s roots in Rayleigh.

Marshall – who has been picked in the 100m backstroke – grew up Stateside but can represent Team GB due to his mum Louise.

And Louise, an ex international swimmer herself, is extremely proud of the dedication shown by her 19-year-old son to make it to Paris.

“As formers swimmers my husband Steve and I understand how incredibly hard it is to make an Olympic Games,” said Louise.

“I am bursting with pride that Jonny has the privilege to represent my country in Paris.”

Jonny has already represented Great Britain at the European Championships having previously shone during a whole host of junior competitions.

But he is now heading to the Olympics after an incredibly impressive performance at the GB trials.

“Jonny did so well to cope with his busy schedule leading into the British Championships,” said Louise.

“The weekend prior he competed at the NCAA championships in Indianapolis.

Echo: Flashback - a young Jonny Marshall with his mum Louise at Adventure IslandFlashback - a young Jonny Marshall with his mum Louise at Adventure Island (Image: Marshall family)

“The NCAA’s is arguably one of the fastest meets in the world but then he had to travel to the UK on Sunday night to arrive Monday morning and be ready to compete in the 100 m backstroke on Wednesday.

“His hard work paid off big time as he crushed his PB and it is so amazing to see the results that he deserves.”

And Jonny has also benefitted from working closely with two superstars of the sport Caeleb Dressel and Katie Ledecky who have both won seven Olympic gold medals.

“Jonny has been training with the likes of Caleb Dressel and Katie Ledecky and has been soaking up their knowledge of the sport,” said Louise.

“It’s been really good for him and now we all can’t wait for the Olympics.”

Several of Louise’s family still live in south-east Essex.

And Louise also brought Jonny back to her home-town while he was over for the British Championships.

“We went back to Old Leigh for chips after the British Championships but Jonny has been over quite a few times, especially when he was younger and we had more time to travel,” said Louise.

“We first brought him over when he was five weeks old.

“He loves Adventure Island and the doughnuts you can get to eat along the sea-front too!”