TROWBRIDGE swimmer Aaron Moores says he will be leaning on the support of his teammates in his battle against nerves on his Paralympic debut at London 2012.

The 18-year-old’s Paralympic bow in the capital caps a remarkable year for Moores, who won 100m backstroke silver at the British International in Sheffield in April.

Moores also took silver in the same event at the British Championships a month beforehand. He will also compete in the 100m breaststroke at the Paralympics.

London 2012 is a completely different entity for Moores, but with the likes of six-time Paralympic champion Sascha Kindred on the team he knows he is not short of people to turn to for advice.

“I’m feeling a bit nervous because this is my first Games,” he said. “But I have been talking to some of the older guys on the team and they have been telling me to stay confident and relaxed, so that is what I’m trying to do.

“I’m going to try and use the crowd to my advantage and not be intimidated. I’m sure it will be an amazing experience.

“It’s really good to be part of a big team with older athletes. They have helped give me more confidence and not worry too much about everything.”

Training on average for four hours a day, Moores has certainly put the hard yards in to be in the best possible shape for London 2012. And, with his parents due to be in the crowd for his races, Moores wants to swim faster than he ever has before in the capital.

“My average day consists of getting up at 5.30am for a two-hour swim, then a two-hour break, and then another two hours of swimming. It’s pretty full on, but I enjoy it,” he added. “I was spotted swimming in Sheffield and was asked to join the squad. It’s all happened so fast I can barely believe it.

“My mum and dad are coming to watch me race. I don’t know yet whether I can get a medal, but my main target is just to set a couple of new personal bests.”

Lloyds TSB, proud supporter of ParalympicsGB and proud partner of the London 2012 Paralympic Games. Get closer to the Games at lloydstsb.com/london2012.