A 23-year-old South Ealing athlete and e-commerce entrepreneur is off to Istanbul in Turkiye next week to compete in the World Aquatics World Cup (18 December – 21 December 2024) as goalie and vice captain of the Great Britain team.
Elliot McHugh, who went Ealing’s Mount Carmel primary school, runs his Trade Warehouse business in West Ealing and previously trained at Gurnell Leisure Centre before it closed.
Mr McHugh started his water polo journey with the Ealing Swimming and Water Polo Club and over the years he has gone local swimming pools to international ones and his reputation as a world-class athlete was rewarded by becoming vice captain of the Great Britain Team.
He said: “If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that dedication and persistence often lead to success. I hope my journey can inspire others to pursue their passions, no matter the field.”
When not competing in water, Mr McHugh is competing online. He founded Trade Warehouse, an online building supplier business and was recently shortlisted for the 2025 Young Entrepreneur of the Year category in the West London Business Awards.
Mr McHugh said: “It’s been a rewarding journey, both as an athlete and an entrepreneur. Balancing both has its challenges, but it’s also very fulfilling. I’m grateful for the opportunities and the support I’ve received.”
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