Jessica wins first England call-up

Jessica Lloyd — England calling

DIGGLE swimmer Jessica Lloyd takes the plunge in March when she makes her debut for England.

The 13-year-old, who represents Oldham Aquatics and Saddleworth, has been selected to compete for England Schools in the home internationals which take place in Cardiff.

Jessica, a pupil at Saddleworth School, will be in action against the cream of swimmers from Wales, Scotland and Ireland.

She will be taking part in the 100m freestyle and 100m backstroke, two events at which she excelled in this year’s nationals where she captured silver in the freestyle and bronze in the backstroke.

Jessica, who is a member of the town’s Advanced Training Scheme, is one of the area’s top swimmers.

“Jessica has great potential and, if she continues to work hard and keeps enjoying the sport, anything is possible, including further international honours,” explained Oldham Aquatics head coach John Wroe.

Jessica is the second local swimmer to represent England schools in recent times as she joins Blake Wilson, the 15-year-old Chadderton lad who won international honours last year.

Blake, a pupil at South Chadderton School and in competition for Oldham Aquatics and Oldham ASC, was in action in the 100m breaststroke.

Oldham Aquatics have a new assistant coach following the appointment of Carly Rice who is from Rotherham and who was previously at Chesterfield Swimming Club.

She joins the team of head coach John Wroe and development coaches Sara Bradley and Brian Minihan.