I qualified for six events, over 3 days, at the Winter Nationals at Ponds Forge, Sheffield, in the Youth age category.

100m, 200m and 400m Individual Medley, 100m and 200m Backstroke and 200m Freestyle.

I thoroughly enjoyed competing at this National competition. The level of racing was incredibly high and I learnt a lot from just watching the other competitors race and prepare.

My best event was the 100m Individual Medley, I hadn't expected to make any finals as the youth age group was 17 years and under, and I have only just turned 15. But I qualified 7th, and returned later that day for the rather daunting final. After some wise words of encouragement from my parents and coaches, Jamie and Harry, I stepped up in the final to take almost another second off my heat time and finished in an incredible 4th place.

Overall I had a fantastic weekend, great times, learnt a lot about my racing strategy and got through it with great support from my coaches, parents and fellow swimmers.

Looking forward to the New Year training and more racing. The pool I train in has closed for repairs, which has affected my training for the past 8 weeks, so fingers crossed the new year will bring good news and I will be back to my usual pool rather that my parents having to drive me to different pools, mornings and evenings.

Thank you JHMT for your continued support.