A NOTTS teenager with Down's Syndrome has followed in the footsteps of Rebecca Adlington and Michael Phelps by being fitted with a Speedo Olympic swimming suit.

Oliver Pratley, 15, could not even swim three years ago but now he's making waves in the swimming world, breaking several world records.

The teenager has been given two pairs of £130 Speedo LZR racer jammer shorts which he will wear in the Down's Syndrome Championships in Taiwan in September, where he will represent Britain.

Oliver was given a tour of Speedo in Ascot Road, Nottingham, and was shown around the Aqualab where the latest innovations in swimming attire are developed.

After squeezing into the tight shorts, the Blidworth teenager gave his verdict: "What can I say? They make me feel like a professional. Other people will think I'm the real deal in them."

The fast-drying jammers offer low skin friction drag and are an alternative to the Speedo LZR racer suit, made famous by Michael Phelps in the 2008 Olympics.

The full racer suits can no longer be worn after a rule change which saw male swimmers banned from competing in body suits – they now have to wear garments like the jammers which start below the navel and end above the knee.

Proud Mum Helen Pratley, 44, joined him on the tour and was delighted to see Oliver in professional swim shorts.

She says: "I'm thrilled to bits. He recently broke one of his own world records and that was just wearing normal swimming shorts. From what I've heard these shorts will really help reduce drag when he's swimming."

Dedicated Oliver trains four times week in Bingham, Hucknall and Portland swimming baths and the pool at the University of Nottingham. He's a member of the Nova Centurion squad and often sees Rebecca Adlington at training sessions.

"Rebecca gets out as he gets in," says Helen. "He hasn't actually spoken to her yet but he always gives her a wave."

When Oliver goes to Taiwan he'll be competing in an impressive number of races.

Helen said: "He's going to be swimming 50m back, 50m free, 50m breast, 50m butterfly, 100m back and 100m free.

''There's also a possibility he could be taking part in the relay. He likes every stroke but they've told me he's really impressed with his breast stroke, so hopefully he'll carry on and specialise in that."

Oliver's family and friends had to raise £3,000 to send him to Taiwan and his training costs £50 a month, which is why the new jammer shorts and other goodies were so gratefully received. Speedo initially heard about Oliver when Mansfield community radio station Maunside contacted them.

Sean Hastings, vice-president of product and marketing at Speedo, said: "We're delighted to provide practical support for a local athlete in his pursuit of international glory for Britain."

Unfortunately, due to money being so tight, Helen won't be able to join him in Taiwan but his dad Michael, 44, will be there to see him compete. Despite not being there it won't stop Helen feeling proud Oliver.

She says: "It's remarkable what he's achieved. It's amazing considering a few years ago I didn't even think he'd be able to swim."