POOLE swimmer Leo McCrea is gearing up for his second World Para Swimming Championships.

McCrea is set to compete in Madeira between June 12-18.

His previous experience of the Worlds saw him reach a final in 2019, while he also competed at the 2020 Paralympics in Tokyo, finishing fifth in the 100m breaststroke final.

McCrea is registered disabled as he was born with Achondroplasia, a form of restricted growth, similar to GB star Ellie Simmonds.

He swims for Switzerland, eligible via his mother's nationality.

COVID-19 lockdowns prevented McCrea from swimming at either of his local clubs, Bournemouth Collegiate School or Poole Swimming Club, for six months, before he successfully applied for a Swimming Academy Scholarship at Mount Kelly School in Tavistock, allowing him to resume training in August 2020.

McCrea duly qualified for the European Para Swim Championships at Madeira in May 2021.

His next big goal is to qualify for his second Paralympics at Paris 2024, and win a Paralympic medal.

But before that, at the World Championships next week McCrea is set to compete in the 50m freestyle, 100m freestyle and 100m breaststroke.