The closure of pools because of coronavirus has not deterred Mansfield Olympic swimming hopeful Elliot Clogg – he has bought his own.

After around six weeks out of the water – and with no indication when pools may reopen – determined Elliott (20) purchased a 4.88m x 3m land pool that was delivered on 4th May.

It was a case of second time lucky after his first attempt was unsuccessful when a supplier let him down.

Elliot certainly was a ‘fish out of water’. He bought a wetsuit to wear at first because the water took time to warm up, but he is hoping that better weather will heat the water because his pool has a solar cover.

To be able to swim in the pool, he attaches himself to a bungee cord that is linked to a secure post on a wall. It keeps Elliot in the same position, but also provides a bit of resistance so it’s not too easy for him.

Elliot has been doing sessions in the pool whilst his coach is watching via a video chat – the new ‘normal’.

The move shows his determination to add to his Commonwealth Games appearance for his country in Australia two years ago.

Elliot’s hopes of making the GB Olympic team suffered a setback in March when first British Swimming cancelled the Olympic trials and then, shortly afterwards the Olympic Games, scheduled for Tokyo this summer, were postponed for a year.

Yet the year had started well for the swimmer. In February he became Yorkshire Open champion at the Yorkshire Championships at Leeds in the 100m backstroke and 100m freestyle.

He was also part of the quartet from City of Sheffield that became Yorkshire champions in the 4 x 50m free relay and 4 x 50m medley relay.

Elliot started March by travelling to Edinburgh for the Edinburgh International Meet, posting competitive times in the 100m and 200m backstroke, going under 56 seconds and two minutes respectively.

Afterwards Elliot was extremely positive that things were definitely heading in the right direction, little knowing that would be his last competition of the season.