Jessica seals records haul

SWIMMER Jessica Lloyd, who has broken three records.

SWIMMER Jessica Lloyd is celebrating a hat-trick of records.

The 15-year-old, who is a pupil at Saddleworth School, set a new British junior best for the 100m freestyle (short course).

Jessica was swimming for Lancashire in the Inter-Counties Championship at Sheffield’s Ponds Forge Centre, and posted a time of 55.29 seconds.

The previous record was held by Francesca Halsall, who won gold at the recent Commonwealth Games in Delhi and the European Championships in Budapest.

She also represent Great Britain at the Beijing Olympics two years ago.

Jessica’s efforts helped Lancashire to a ninth consecutive Inter-Counties title — also a British record.

The talented teenager also stepped on to the top of the podium in the England Schools’ Swimming Association Championships in Watford.

She won the intermediate 100m freestyle, posting a new record in 55.60.

Jessica has plenty to look forward to over the coming months. As a member of the Manchester Aquatics national squad, she is heading out to Tunisia on Boxing Day for seven days of training.

Jessica will then be turning her attention to the British Championships next March.

The competition has double significance, as it acts as a qualifier for the European Championships, which take place in Belgrade in July.

Jessica is working hard toward her goal of competing at the event. She is up at 4am three times a week for two hours of training before school.

And there is no let-up at night, with pool sessions taking place five times a week, which all adds up to 60 miles.

You can keep up with her progress in the Oldham Chronicle.