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Ripon swimming sensation secures dream move to US university

Monday, 20 July 2026 12:33

Swimming sensation: Eighteen-year-old Nadine Wilson from Dishforth.

A Ripon swimming star is set to take her talents to the United States after earning a place at an American university.

Eighteen-year-old Nadine Wilson, from Dishforth, will join William Carey University in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, this autumn, where she will study business management while competing in collegiate swimming.

Nadine, who has recently completed her A-levels in business studies, geography and economics, has balanced her studies with an extraordinary training schedule, travelling more than 750 miles each week to pursue her swimming career.

The former Ripon Grammar School student has become one of the region's leading young swimmers, qualifying for and competing at some of the UK's top events. Her biggest achievement so far came with a bronze medal in the 200m butterfly at the Swim England National Summer Meet.

Her weekly routine has included training before and after school, weekend sessions, strength and conditioning work, alongside a demanding competition schedule.

Nadine said:

"I'm incredibly excited to continue both my academic and athletic journey at William Carey University.

"This opportunity will allow me to pursue a degree in business management while continuing to compete in the sport I love at a high level."

Her mother, Kathryn Wilson, said:

"Due to her work ethic, both in and out of the pool, I am certain she will excel at William Carey University.

"This is an amazing opportunity for Nadine and we are immensely proud of her achievement."

William Carey University offers student-athletes the opportunity to combine higher education with competitive collegiate sport, allowing them to continue developing both academically and athletically.

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