Lloyd’s back in the fast lane

Jessica Lloyd - back in action after her lay-off

SWIMMNG: DIGGLE Olympian Jess Lloyd is excited to be heading back into competitive action this weekend after a six-month break.

Freestyle specialist Lloyd (20) will swim at her home City of Manchester Aquatics pool in the Manchester International Meet, where she will star alongside fellow town hopeful Jess Fullalove from Royton.

Lloyd has been back in full-time training with coach Mark Rose for two months and progress has been encouraging. She said: “I’ve been really happy with how things have gone since I returned to the pool in August. I’ve been quite surprised with how well I’ve been doing.

“I needed to take a step back from the sport, but now I’m back in full training I feel fit and confident.”

Lloyd, a Team GB swimmer at London 2012, will go in the 50 and 100m freestyle events at the two-day meet, and the 50m butterfly.

Many swimmers, including younger backstroke star Fullalove, will use the Manchester Meet as part of preparations for the Rio Olympic trials, which beckon in April.

But Lloyd isn’t looking that far ahead just yet. I’ll see where I’m at after competing this weekend - but I must admit I’m not banking on making it to Rio at this stage.”