Autistic Athlete Angus Leckonby Sets Third Guinness World Record

An athlete has set his third Guinness World Record after becoming the youngest person with an intellectual disability to complete a two mile (3.2km) open water swim.

Angus Leckonby, who is autistic and lives with verbal dyspraxia, added to his tally after taking part in London’s Swim Serpentine open water swimming event on Saturday.

The 23-year-old from Octon in East Yorkshire completed his swim at Hyde Park in 52 minutes and 40 seconds.

His father Matthew Leckonby said it had been “an incredible year” and “never did we imagine Angus would hold three Guinness World Records”.

He said: “The move to triathlon over the past 12 months has been amazing for him.

“We’ve already started looking at events he wants to do next year, and he’s very excited about what the future could hold.”

Angus said: “I am feeling so proud of myself. It was a good swim.

“The hard work is swimming the big distance, but it was exciting. Swimming has helped me a lot, it has been good for me, and it was exciting to get in the water and swim around.”

The latest title follows Angus’s achievements at the TCS London Marathon earlier this year, where he became the fastest and youngest man with an intellectual disability to complete a marathon.

Angus has been using his record-breaking achievements to raise funds for the Special Olympics Great Britain charity which says it uses the power of sport to transform the lives of children and adults with an intellectual disability.

“Angus is a trailblazer and a true inspiration to everyone in the Special Olympics GB family,” said Special Olympics GB chief executive Laura Baxter.

“To achieve three Guinness World Records in one year, across marathon running and open water swimming, shows extraordinary dedication and courage. His achievements prove what is possible when people with intellectual disabilities are given opportunities, support and belief.”

She added the funds raised would help more athletes transform their lives through sport.