Duo set to learn Olympics fate
Reporter: Chris Lynham
Date published: 08 March 2012
SWIMMING:
OLDHAM swimmers Jessica Lloyd and Jessica Fullalove are on the verge of discovering if London is calling.
The duo are in action at the British Championships this week, with qualification for the 2012 Olympics — held in the capital — up for grabs.
Lloyd (16) and 15-year-old Fullalove, who both claimed gold in the European Championships last year, have represented Great Britain over the last 12 months and hope one last push will see them reach the big time.
The pair should know their fate by Sunday at the latest, with the British Championships drawing to a close on Saturday.
They are both in action tonight — Saddleworth School pupil Lloyd competes in the 100m freestyle final after securing a fourth-place finish in last night’s semi-finals.
Fullalove, of Hulme Grammar, was fifth in the 100m backstroke final, and goes for 200m glory in the semi-finals of the same category.
Only the top two competitors in each category are guaranteed selection for the Olympics, and even then will only make the cut if they achieve fast enough times, which are established before the competition.
Lloyd’s mum Ann said: “Both girls have done well so far this week and everyone has their fingers crossed.
“We expect to find out who has qualified for London 2012 by the end of Saturday or Sunday at the latest.
“But whatever happens, they have both given their all and performed well.”
