Young swimming star Louis Hines swept his competition aside as he flew to victory in the elite men’s para race at Swim Serpentine on Saturday.

Now in its second year, Swim Serpentine is a one-day open water swimming festival staged in the heart of the capital by the organisers of the Virgin Money London Marathon and Prudential RideLondon.

Almost 5,000 swimmers of all ages and abilities descended on Hyde Park on Saturday, with 19-year-old Hines competing in the S14 category in the para men’s race.

Hines, a member of Watford Swimming Club, crossed the finish line in a time of 21.40 minutes to win the gold medal, holding his arms aloft as he walked out of the water.

And while he competed in the inaugural Swim Serpentine last year, Hines insists Saturday was a day he won’t be forgetting in a hurry.

“I’m feeling really good. I’m chuffed to have won and be the first para-swimmer to cross the finish line,” he said.

“I did the Swim Serpentine last year so this isn’t the first time I have swum here.

“It’s an interesting experience, you never know who else is competing. It’s was great to see people who competed last year.

“I was really psyched to get going. I wasn’t expecting to win but it was really good.

“I love open water swimming because it’s so different, it’s outside for a start! It’s much colder and there are lots of geese in there.

“It feels really special to be swimming in central London. There aren’t many people who can say they have done this.

“It is a really nice thing to experience.”

Aside from the elite races, Swim Serpentine offers competitors the choice of swimming half a mile, one, two or six miles.

Swim Serpentine is already a must-do event in the open water swimming calendar, with heated changing rooms, hot tubs and an exhibition area all to enjoy, and its second year proved to be just as successful as the first.

"It has been an absolutely wonderful day at Swim Serpentine,” said Hugh Brasher, Event Director.

“Watching wave after wave of swimmers in this iconic setting and the huge crowd around the Serpentine Lake is an awe-inspiring sight.

“In just its second year, this event is firmly established as one of the best open water swimming events in the world.”

Swim Serpentine is a one-day open water swimming festival staged in the heart of London and organised by London Marathon Events. To find out more about Swim Serpentine and The London Classics, head to https://www.swimserpentine.co.uk/