AN elite swimmer is increasing her stroke rate as she strives to make the GB team for the Para-Olympics in Rio.
Born with visual impairment, Richmond School and Sixth Form College student Lily MacLeod has already had a taste of international sport and her efforts secured her the Richmondshire Up and Coming Sportsperson accolade.
A member of the British Para Swimming Podium Potential Athlete Programme, she competed at the British Swimming International Meet in Glasgow, a para-swimming event open to all nations across the world and a world championship qualifier.
Lily performed exceptionally well making five finals out of her six swims and improving her personal best times in all the events. In her 200 individual medley swim she finished a creditable fourth, missing out on a youth age group medal by just half a second.
“Swimming was compulsory at my old school and I really got into it,” said Lily who is in the pool training at 6am and trains in the evenings as well. “I’m hoping to perform well in the Rio trials in April.”
Richmond School and Sixth Form College leader of sport leisure and community Tony Potter said: “Lily is an exceptional swimmer and an incredible role model for the rest of the school. No one shows more commitment, dedication and raw talent, attributes that have put her at the top of her sport.”