Teen swimmer selected for Team GB

Jun 8 2011 by Our Correspondent, Birkenhead News

A HIGHLY-PROMISING Merseyside swimmer with genuine Olympic credentials has been named in the 27-strong British European Junior Championships squad travelling to Belgrade in Serbia.

The selection of 16-year-old Danni Lowe provides a terrific opportunity for the Bebington-based breast-stroker to appear on the radar of new Team GB coach Mark Perry.

For the meeting is being flagged up as a new dawn for swimming development and identified as a priority on the calendar – an event where performances will matter.

The Wirral Metro and Liverpool Penguin member is expecting to represent her country in the 50m and 100m breaststroke and butterfly competitions as well as competing in the medley.

This is despite – initially at least – being totally shocked at her inclusion in the travelling party.

“My selection came completely as a surprise,” the Wirral Grammar School student said.

“I didn’t expect it – although I did win the events that I have been chosen for at the British Championships.”

There was further good news for Lowe when she also discovered that British Swimming had placed her onto the World Class Swimming Programme for London 2012, Rio 2016 and beyond.

This programme is the means by which the UK’s most talented athletes are given every chance of realising their full potential, by receiving key elements of support.

This includes national training camps, competition opportunities, access to sports science and many other essential services.

Despite this boost, the teenager remains under pressure – for at the moment the life of the Year 11 youngster is being ruled by two areas that are of equal importance to her future: training flat out for the Europeans and studying hard for exams.

“It is a really hectic schedule,” she agreed.

“I am training nine times a week – once in the Wavertree 50 metre pool and the rest in the Europa Baths. I also have to fit in studying for 10 GCSE exams.”