Guernsey Swimmer Wins 50th Island Games Medal

Guernsey's Tom Hollingsworth has won his 50th Island Games medal.

Tom is taking part in his tenth Island Games after first competing in 2003 when it was last in Guernsey.

He's won medals at every Games since, except in his debut year. 

His 50th came in the form of a bronze in the men’s 4x50 medley and was swiftly followed by his 51st  

He'll receive his 50m backstroke silver in a medal ceremony this evening (11 July) and has already got his sights on more podium finishes at this - his last - Island Games

"When I look back at what I've achieved it's quite something. Sometimes I don't stop to think about those milestones. 

I think I will be quite emotional on the podium."

Tom has gone full circle, starting his competing career in his home island, and now bowing out in front of his fellow Sarnians. 

He told Island FM it was a special moment to get 2nd place at Beau Sejour.

"When I did my 50m backstroke I looked up at the crowd and it was full of people that I had grown up with that were there supporting me, so it was quite the moment."

In Saturday's opening ceremony, Tom had the honour of bearing the Guernsey flag and leading the team on parade in front of an estimated 15,000 people along St Peter Port seafront.

"Town was buzzing wasn't it? It was just electric that night and something I'll never ever forget. An incredible experience."

Tom will next represent the island tonight in the men’s 100m butterfly.

You can read more about Tom in a piece by the junior reporters covering Guernsey 2023.