York's James Wilby admits Paris Olympics likely to be his last

It is the 30-year-old’s second Olympics after competing in Tokyo - where he finished fifth and sixth in the 100m and 200m breaststroke and took silver in the 100m medley - but the delayed 2021 games were contested behind closed doors.

Wilby, who began his journey into the sport with York City Baths Swimming Club, paid a touching tribute to mum Fiona, a nurse in the NHS after taking silver in Tokyo, and having his family along for the ride in Paris is something he holds dear.

Wilby won a silver medal in Tokyo as a heat swimmer in the 4x100m medley relay. (Image: PA)

Speaking to BBC Radio York, he explained: “I've had an unconventional rise into the sport.

“I’ve been very adamant to achieve things that a lot of the time people have said that I wouldn’t be able to achieve, and that’s something that’s going to continue.

“But it’s strange coming to my second Olympic Games at the point that I am at in my career. 

“I’m almost as much looking forward to being able to do those performances, whatever they may look like, with the family there, and having that experience for them and for me is almost as important as the performances.

“I’m really hopeful and really positive about the raw swimming performances and the times on paper, but also the experiences of being able to do that with my family there is almost as important to me, and enjoying that whole experience together.”

Wilby will be 34 when the 2028 Olympics take place in Los Angeles, and he admits that Paris will likely be his last Games.

“I’ve achieved a lot, and I think another four years is probably a stretch,” said the former Huntington School student. “I never like to be definite, but I suppose at some point that is going to happen.

“I love the Commonwealth Games, and there is a part of me that had 2026 as an amazing time to finish, but that’s up in the air at moment. There’ll certainly be an extended break after these Games.”