Lloyd relief after tough year

Jessica LLoyd: looking forward to Games

SWIMMING JESSICA Lloyd is looking forward to an injury and illness-free second half to 2014 — hopefully including a medal-winning effort at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow at the end of July.

The Diggle teenager will swim in Team England’s 4x100m freestyle relay team alongside the girls who competed at the London Olympics.

She said: “It’s been a really tough year so far, and at one point I was panicking as to whether I’d make the Commonwealths,” said Jess.

“I had a gastric illness at the turn of the year, a shoulder injury, and then in March I picked up shingles.

“I’m fighting fit now though, and I’m training hard.

“The girls’ team won silver medals at the Delhi Games, and so we’re confident of doing well again.”

Lloyd (19) has spoken of the delight she felt when she heard fellow Oldham starlet and City of Manchester club-mate Jess Fullalove was also picked for Team England. The two have been training partners for several years and are close friends.

“I’ve always treated Jess like my little sister,” revealed Lloyd. “It’s great she’s been picked. We’ve always got on so well and I’m proud of her.”