Lisa Chapman has smashed a British junior record held by a swimmer pre-selected for the Sydney Olympic Games.
The 15-year-old from Flimwell, near Hastings, bettered Sue Rolph's 1994 performance in the 100m individual medley by clocking 1min.03.37sec in a Sussex County Invitation event at the Prince Regent pool, Brighton.
"It feels great," said the Hastings Seagull.
"I was a bit nervous because the whole event was set up for me to break the record. I'd equalled Sue's time a few months ago with 1min.03.54sec and the pressure was on me to do it.
"It has inspired me because Sue was my age when she set the record and I've beaten her time and she's now going to the Olympics. It has made me believe I might get near the times she's doing now and get to the Olympics myself."
Lisa, who will attend Hastings College in September, has also been selected for the European Junior Championships in Dunkirk, France, next week and the Commonwealth Youth Games in Edinburgh next month.
"My record has given me a real boost for the Europeans and Commonwealth events coming up. It's a real boost. My confidence is really up now going into two such major events so close together.
"I was eighth in the final at the last Europeans. I hope I can at least equal that or go even better and perhaps try for a medal.
"I believe the Commonwealth event is the first of its type and I'm flattered to be a part of it. I'll be up against some top swimming countries like Australia and Canada. It'll be quite a challenge."
The Sussex Association praised Lisa's efforts. County secretary Margaret Tuppen said: "It's great news for her and for the county. Margaret Wilding and Christine Perfect, who are past Olympians from Haywards Heath, watched her break the record in between swimming in the Sussex Masters and they were impressed."
Hailsham's Lindsay Waller has been selected for the European event and is expected to compete in the 200m butterfly.
Meanwhile, Brighton club youngsters Kirsty Hedge and Amy Kent warmed up for their Olympic trials in Sheffield next week with victories in an inter-club junior gala at Crawley. Their wins helped Brighton push the host club into second place.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article