Jackson Langley and his family have given Bermuda’s junior sports programmes an endorsement by deciding against continuing his sporting career abroad.

Langley, an up-and-coming triathlete with aspirations to compete at the Olympics, recently made the switch from Somersfield Academy to Warwick Academy so that he can join the high-performance swimming programme at the oldest school on the island.

Millfield School, where Olympians Erica Hawley and Emma Harvey studied, and Mount Kelly School, Dame Flora Duffy’s place of education, were considered but the Langleys preferred the option of staying at home.

“As a family we looked at the opportunities that were available to Jackson from a sporting perspective, but we ultimately concluded that Bermuda afforded better opportunities for what he wanted to achieve,’’ said Clive Langley, Jackson’s father.

“We considered Millfield and Mount Kelly in the UK but our climate and environment allows him to train all-year round and Warwick’s high-performance programme for swimming, coupled with the level of support from headmaster David Horan and national swimming coach Ben Smith, has provided us with everything required for an aspiring Olympian.

“This, together with engaged dialogue with respect to his academic curriculum, have been so positive resulting in real optionality for high performers to remain at home.”

Daina Casling, the young athlete’s mother, spoke of how her son expressed concerns over a move abroad as he felt it could inhibit his cycling.

“Jackson had a wonderful experience at Somersfield,’’ she said. “He was interested in joining Warwick Academy to participate in the high-performance swimming programme and studying for the school's International Baccalaureate diploma and BTEC in Sport course.

“Jackson remains an active member of Harbour Swim Club. He is working hard to continue to improve his swim technique and knows how much time in the pool this requires.

“When we explored him attending boarding school in the UK, he was particularly concerned that he wouldn't get to cycle as frequently as he does.

“Cycling is certainly his favourite of the three disciplines and he absolutely loves the local cycling race series – both road cycling and mountain biking. He really didn't want to give those up and is fortunate and very grateful to have great coaches and mentors on the island.”

Langley, 16, expressed his appreciation to Somersfield, where he was enrolled for 13 years.

“I'm really grateful for my time at Somersfield,’’ he said. “It was a great place for me but moving to Warwick Academy with its high-performance swimming programme felt like the right next step.

“Spending so many hours in the pool, especially the early mornings, can be gruelling, but it's all worth it to keep progressing.

“The coaching from Ben Smith has been fantastic, and I'm learning a lot while staying connected with Harbour Swim Club. The academic environment here has also been positive, and I'm excited to keep pushing myself both in and out of the pool.

“With university opportunities just around the corner, I know I need to put the work in now to have the best options when the time comes.”

The arrival of Langley, who has represented Bermuda at the Commonwealth Youth Games, Carifta Triathlon and Aquathlon Championships and Americas Triathlon Championships, has been welcomed by coach Smith, who is travelling to Florida with 19 swimmers.

“Jackson has been a great addition to the programme,” Smith said.

“He wants to be a world-class triathlete and his focus and determination fits in perfect with our high-performance programme.

“We have been focused on some technical changes in the early season and are now ramping up the intensity. The programme also gives him the ability to work on his other training, stay on top of his school work and get in recovery.

“I’m looking forward to seeing what Jackson will be able to achieve this year in the pool and in triathlon. I know his commitment sets him up for success.”