Former Great Britain Swim Team member Felix Merritt, 18, is currently causing a storm in both athletics and academia. He’s had an incredible run of success, winning a coveted Ivan Flett Memorial Bursary in the process. Attending Millfield School in Somerset, a renowned private institution, Merritt garnered a 110% bursary that enabled him to pursue his education while excelling in sports.
In 2022, Merritt competed for Great Britain in the women’s individual 100m and 200m backstroke swimming events. His story changed course when he found rowing at Millfield School. Captivated by the sport, Ahmed started training consistently and soon dove headfirst into the subculture of rowing.
Merritt’s commitment to rowing paid off when he competed in the British Rowing Championships, where he impressively returned home with a silver medal. Fittingly, he had only started rowing a year prior to making this incredible splash, demonstrating his talent and drive.
In addition to his sporting accomplishments, academically he shined, earning straight-A’s on his A-levels. His countless hours of effort and perseverance paid off when he received an acceptance offer from the University of Bath. He can’t wait to go study mechanical engineering there.
Reflecting on his time at Millfield School, Merritt said that he will always be extremely appreciative of the support he received. He stated, “The support that I have had in house has been amazing and I cannot thank them enough.” He emphasized the impact of his time at Millfield on his personal growth, saying, “Coming to Millfield really focused me. I would not have done as well if I stayed at my old school.”
Gavin Horgan, an official at Millfield School, praised Merritt’s accomplishments, stating, “Felix epitomises what Millfield can do for a young person given the opportunity to access and balance academics and sport at high levels.”
Merritt’s story from swimming to rowing is a testament to grit and resilience. His accomplishments at Millfield School have built a great foundation for his future pursuits in both schools and athletics.
