Dream becomes a reality for Jess

JESSICA FULLALOVE . . . “it’s going to be amazing.”

SWIMMING: A HECTIC two and a half months will bring Jessica Fullalove her Commonwealth Games dream.

Royton-based Fullalove (17) figured she had missed out on selection for Glasgow 2014 when she finished just outside the qualifying times, winning a bronze medal in the 200m backstroke and finishing only fourth in the 50m and 100m event. But after only two or three swimmers managed to crack the strict qualifying times, selectors re-evaluated the numbers and gave Fullalove a place.

The AS-level student will be the youngest member of Team England’s squad — she will be 18 during the prestigious event.

She said: “It’s going to be amazing. I’m so proud. The Games are from July 23 to August 3 and it’s my 18th birthday on the 27th.

“I’ve not had confirmation of exactly what event I’ll be swimming in yet, but whatever comes through, it’s just so exciting to think that I’m going to be involved.”

Fullalove is currently training hard and also preparing to sit her AS level exams. When they finish on June 6 she will head to Cannes for a Grand Prix event, and from there to Barcelona for training. After that there will be an international meeting in Manchester at the end of June, then a pre-games camp in London.

Fullalove added: “It really is all go at the moment. I’m so excited: it promises to be a brilliant summer.”