New path for Lloyd

Jessica with medals won during her recent trip to Brazil.

SWIMMING: Olympian Jessica Lloyd is looking forward to new goals following one of the greatest years of her life

The modest 17 year old from Diggle competed at London 2012 and wih Fran Halsall, Amy Smith and Caitlin McClatchey exceeded expectations by reaching the 4 x 100 metres freestyle relay final, finishing fifth.

Drawing inspiration from a partisan crowd, the quartet was more than a second faster than its qualification time in the heats – and only just shy of the British record.

After achieving more in 12 months than many swimmers of a similar age can only dream about, Lloyd has finally finished processing the events of 2012.

“It is hard to accept that what happened to me in the summer is over,” she said. “It was a life-changing experience I’ll never forget.

“I guess it is the end of one journey and the start of another.

“My adventure begins all over again as I turn my attention towards Rio 2016 — and if everything goes to plan the games in Brazil will hopefully be even better than London.

“It probably sounds strange talking about something so far away, but I have to give everything to claim a place at the next Olympics and hopefully make an impact in Rio.”

Even before the Olympics, Lloyd’s home town was acknowledging the marvellous achievement of simply being named in the squad.

At a glittering Oldham Sports Awards ceremony, Lloyd was joined by fellow Oldham Olympians Nicola White (hockey), Joe O’Regan (water polo) and Ben Procter (Paralympic swimmer) in receiving a shield, on the front of which their names were engraved.

It was a memorable night for Lloyd, who also picked up the Sports Achiever of the Year gong.

She was nominated for the same title in the Greater Manchester Sports Awards.

Lloyd added: “It was a non-stop year. The training and build-up to the Olympics was so intense so when awards and nominations come along I am so grateful.”



AT 17, Jessica Lloyd probably didn’t expect to be seen as a role model. But she was the centre of attention at the School Olympics in Brazil.

“The most satisfying part of the trip was discovering that the Brazilian youngsters look up to me,” she said.

“They seemed to appreciate that I was the youngest in the swimming squad, because I think it made them believe anything is possible if they work hard and keep going.

“Hopefully they take strength from the year I have had and turn it into a positive for their own lives.”

Lloyd returned home with four medals, taking top spot in 50 metres, 100m and 200m freestyle in the outdoors competition in Cuiaba.

She also played a key role in the gold-winning relay team alongside Elena Sheridan, Danielle Lowe and Natasha Hofton.