Teenagers in line to take on Canada
Date published: 11 January 2011
SWIMMING: OLDHAM Aquatics Club duo Jessica Fullalove and Jessica Lloyd have been selected for the ASA national talent squad, who take on their Canadian counterparts this weekend.
The pair have impressed during the team’s training programme, and got the nod to join the 37-strong squad for the two-day Tri-Meet at Sunderland Aquatics Centre.
Jessica Fullalove (14), attends Hulme Grammar Schools and swims for the Oldham club and City of Manchester Aquatics.
She caught the eye of ASA talent-spotters by recording last year’s second-fastest time in the country in her age group, in the 100 metre backstroke.
Jessica Lloyd, a year older than her namesake, is a Saddleworth School pupil, who represents Oldham, Saddleworth and City of Manchester Aquatics.
Her national call-up came hot on the heels of a silver medal in the European Swimming Championships in Helsinki.
This weekend, the 18 girls and 19 boys who make up the squad will take part in a full Olympic programme.
Dave Legge, the ASA’s Talent Delivery Manager, said: “The philosophy is to give them long course (50m) race experience because if all goes to plan the majority of the youngsters should be part of the European Junior team.”
The athletes spent last week preparing with pool sessions, land work and sport science tests, as well as guidance to assess their health and look at ways of improving their performance.
