Sensational Sam’s personalised plate!

Olympic swimming champion Sam Hynd will be going for gold yet again in the Paralympics World Cup in Manchester this Bank Holiday.

This weekend’s event allows the 400m freestyle favourite to proudly show-off his second prized possession - behind the gold medal he won in Beijing of course – his Personalised Registration given to him to celebrate last year’s monumental achievement!

The 17-year-old returned to his Kirkby-in-Ashfield home from Beijing to a hero’s welcome and his own private plate S400 GBR, a gift from his grandfather in recognition for becoming Olympic Champion.

Media and PE student Sam, explained: “I’ve always said I wanted my own private registration when I pass my driving test, but I was completely taken aback when my grandfather presented me with mine.

“It now takes pride and place on my car. This weekend’s competition in Manchester is the first time I’ve been able to show it off to my friends on the circuit, for once I’m insisting on driving my coach, Glen Smith, there myself!”

Sam’s gift follows in the wake of double-gold medallist Rebecca Adlington, who received R800 GBR from her parents for winning the World Short Course swimming championships in March 2008, which earned her a place in the Olympic team.

Both swimmers’ plates have been chosen to represent their Christian names, their primary distance they compete in and GBR to reflect their place in the Great Britain team.

Damian Lawson, DVLA Personalised Registrations’ Marketing Manager, said: “Both Sam and Rebecca made us all extremely proud with their gold medal winning ways, it’s just pleasing to know both are sporting personalised plates.”