In the fast lane

Jessica Lloyd (left) and Jessica Fullalove struck gold at the European Junior Championships.

Oldham’s golden girls are making waves
SWIMMERS Jessica Lloyd and Jessica Fullalove have raced to success in the last year, winning medals at competitions around the globe.

And the girls, who have both been swimming competitively since the age of 10, could add another award to their quickly growing trophy collections very soon — after receiving a joint nomination for the “sports achiever” category in the Pride In Oldham awards.

Lloyd’s mum Ann said: “We’re really, really pleased. It’s so nice that two girls from Oldham are doing so well on the world stage.

“It’s great that someone else recognises what they have achieved as much as we do.”

The talented pair clinched gold as part of the 4x100 metre individual relay team at the European Junior Championships in Belgrade in July.

Lloyd (16) also claimed silver in the 4x100m freestyle relay and bronze in the 100m freestyle and Fullalove (15), from Royton, came away with a silver in the 100m backstroke.

Then at the World Junior Championships in Peru a month later Lloyd, who swims for the City of Manchester Aquatics, added to her silverware with a bronze in the 4x100 freestyle relay.

Fullalove, who also represents the City of Manchester Aquatics and Oldham Seals, narrowly missed out on a qualifying top-eight spot in the 50m and 100m backstroke semi-finals, finishing ninth and 10th.

Both teenagers are hoping to add Olympic appearances to their already impressive achievements and Lloyd, from Diggle, is set to train with the GB National squad in October, while Fullalove will attend trials next March ahead of the 2012 Games.

Hulme Grammar School student Fullalove and Lloyd, who attends Xaverian Sixth Form College in Manchester, both train from 5am to 7am three mornings a week, swim for three hours five nights a week and also on Saturday mornings.

Fullalove’s mum Suzanne added: “People think it is just putting on a costume and swimming, but it’s not that simple. There’s diet, exercise and a lot of other things involved too.

“Jessica loves swimming. It’s her life and she thrives on it and it’s unbelievable how well she’s done.

“We know how much hard work the girls put in to it. This nomination is fantastic for them and well deserved.”