Four-time gold medal-winning swimmer Oscar Bilbao has been chosen as Team England’s flagbearer for the Closing Ceremony at the Commonwealth Youth Games in Trinbago.

Team England finished second in the medal table after a successful week in the Caribbean that yielded 49 medals - 16 gold, 23 silver and 10 bronze.

Seventeen-year-old Bilbao, who hails from Hereford and trains at Repton Swimming (UK) and Hamilton Swimming (Dubai), put in a stunning performance at the Games.

He swept the men’s breaststroke events, clinching 50-metre, 100m and 200m gold and contributing to 4x100m mixed medley relay success to take his title tally to four.

Alongside cyclist Hannah Barnes’ four golds at Pune 2008, it stands as one of the best performances from any Team England athlete in the history of the Youth Games.

It culminates in the privilege of carrying the flag at the beach festival in Pigeon Point, Tobago in the closing celebration of the Games.

Bilbao said: “I’m really honoured to get the chance to carry the England flag.

“I came here wanting to get some more international experience and get used to racing swimmers from outside of Europe.

“I’ve definitely done that but mainly, I’ve loved the atmosphere in Team England and the way all of the athletes, from different sports, have supported each other.

“It’s going to be a special moment carrying the flag.”

Team England’s swimming squad enjoyed outstanding success with nine golds, 10 silvers and four bronzes in that sport alone.

That haul is Team England’s best in the pool since the inaugural Commonwealth Youth Games in 2000 and saw them beat Australia to top the sport’s medal table.

Team England won medals in all four sports they entered and also topped the medal table in athletics, with 24 medals forming their best haul since 2004.

Both Opening Ceremony flagbearers tasted success at the Games.

Bebe Jackson won England’s first-ever para medal at the event and beach volleyball star Peter Soczewka took silver, England’s second-ever Commonwealth Youth medal in the sport.

The 57-strong team of athletes that competed aged 15-18, led by Chef de Mission Francesca Carter-Kelly, seized their opportunity at the seventh staging of the Games. 

Carter Kelly said: “It has been a brilliant week for the team in Trinbago and it will live long in our memories.

“We’re thrilled to have won medals across the four sports we competed in, with the athletics and swimming teams performing superbly to top their medal tables.

“To reach the podium in beach volleyball and Fast5 netball, two of the newer sports on the programme, represents a fantastic achievement for the whole team.

“More than anything, it has been so special to see the way in which our athletes have conducted themselves, seized the opportunity and connected with athletes from across the Commonwealth.

“We’re particularly grateful to our hosts in Trinidad and Tobago, who have welcomed us in true Caribbean style and put on a fantastic show”