Silver Medallist Swimmer Coaches BGS Pupils
BGS welcomed a Commonwealth Games silver medallist and former British record-holder swimmer to train pupils and share elite sporting experience.
Our pupils were privileged to welcome Lewis Burras to Bury Grammar School.
Lewis is one of Britain’s leading sprint freestyle swimmers, specialising in the 50m and 100m freestyle. A former British record-holder and four-time British Champion, he has won three silver medals at the Commonwealth Games, is a two-time European Champion and a World Championship medallist. He has represented both Great Britain and England on the international stage and has nearly two decades of experience competing in elite sport.
During his visit, Lewis delivered an inspiring talk to pupils in our Elite Athlete Programme and members of the school swimming team, before leading a fantastic after-school training session in the pool.
Having studied and competed within both the UK and US university systems, Lewis spoke candidly about the demands, pressures and pivotal decisions student-athletes face. From balancing academic study with elite-level training to navigating university recruitment and performing on the world stage, he understands these challenges first-hand.
He also shared insights into the structured and supportive environment available in the UK for student-athletes wishing to combine high-level sport with a respected university education. Lewis explained how this pathway can suit a wide range of sports and academic ambitions - whether the goal is international competition, long-term development, or achieving a healthy balance alongside academic study.
Lewis said:
"It’s been fantastic to spend time with such motivated young athletes at BGS. I hope they take away not only technical tips for swimming, but also an understanding of how to balance training, study, and life. The most important thing is to enjoy the journey, stay curious, and never lose sight of why you started your sport in the first place."
We are extremely grateful to Lewis for giving his time so generously and for motivating and inspiring our pupils.
Mrs Miller, Director of Sport at BGS, explained:
“At Bury Grammar School, our Elite Athlete Programme is designed to identify and provide tailored support for talented young sportspeople, enabling them to thrive both in their sport and in the classroom. Excelling at an elite level requires not only physical and mental resilience, but also the ability to manage competing priorities successfully.
We recognise that elite sport is about more than competition alone. Alongside athletic performance, we place great emphasis on developing the skills, discipline and knowledge that underpin long-term success.
While BGS teams compete in hundreds of fixtures each year, our commitment extends well beyond the scoreboard. We are passionate about fostering a lifelong love of physical activity, encouraging participation at all levels, nurturing personal growth, and instilling habits that promote health and wellbeing for years to come.”