Royton swimming starlet Jessica Fullalove believes selection to Team GB’s squad for this month’s Youth Olympic Games will only serve to increase her chances of becoming the fastest woman on the planet.
Fullalove will jet out to Nanjing for the second summer Youth Olympic Games from August 16-28 believing a medal is well within her grasp.
The trip will be 18-year-old Fullalove’s second major meet in as many months after making the semi-finals in the 50m, 100m and 200m backstroke at the Commonwealth Games.
While the Crompton House Sixth Form student believes she could have given a better account of herself in Glasgow, she insists the experience will serve her well in China.
“It’s my dream to compete at the Olympic Games and this is a step closer to that dream,” she said.
“The Commonwealth Games were a great experience and even though I didn’t race exactly as I wanted to I still learned a lot.
“I have not seen the squads for the other countries but I know that if I swim how I can I will definitely be in with a chance of winning a medal.
“Hopefully it will help me regardless of what happens in the same way as Glasgow and will put me in a great position for Rio or Tokyo.
“I’ve done World Junior Championships but the Youth Olympics are just a totally different level.
“Having the two biggest competitions of my career so close to each other is a bit crazy but I don’t see any reason why I can’t perform to my best.”
Fullalove counts two-time Olympic champion Rebecca Adlington and American superstar Michael Phelps among her idols.
However it is the fastest man on terra firma that the City of Manchester Aquatics star is looking to emulate.
“Usain Bolt is the fastest man in the world and my dream is to be the fastest woman in the world in the pool,” she added.
“Going to China is only going to help me achieve that and it’s something I’ve aimed for all my life.
“I learned to swim when I was really young because my family are all swimmers and it’s a basic life skill.
“So I was really excited when I found out that I was going to have the chance to go and swim in China.
“It’s an amazing opportunity to compete but also to go and see that part of the world.”
The British Olympic Association prepares and leads British athletes at the summer, winter and youth Olympic Games. It works in partnership with sport National Governing Bodies to enhance Olympic success and is responsible for championing the Olympic Values. www.teamgb.com
Main image courtesy of Youth Olympic Games via YouTube, with thanks.
