The 21-year-old swam a personal best in the 50-metre breaststroke to grab a silver medal and followed it up by winning bronze in the 100-metre breaststroke.

The aspiring Paralympian was thrilled with the results after a disappointing national long course championship earlier in the year.

“I was really happy,” Ward said.

“The long course was a little disappointing as I didn’t go as well as I had hoped, but to get three PB’s and two medals is a big achievement.

“It’s right up there for me.”

Ward will now turn his attention to local meets before focusing on the national long course championships in April.

He received a Victorian Institute of Sport scholarship in August.

“It’s a big year coming up with trials so hopefully I can keep swimming well,” he said.