By Helen Thompson

Published at 11:08, Thursday, 01 March 2012

A YOUNG Whitehaven swimmer has taken the first step on the road to the Olympics.

MIXING IT WITH THE BEST: Anna Newlands from Whitehaven is off to London to compete in the Olympic Swimming Trails

Anna Newlands, 14, has qualified for the British Championships, which is also doubling up as the Olympic trials this season.

The Whitehaven School pupil, who swims for Cockermouth ASC, made the challenging qualifying times for no less than four events.

And she will now be heading to the Olympic Pool in London tomorrow for the trials, along with some of the country’s leading lights, including Rebecca Adlington.

Anna has qualified in some of the toughest events, the 100m and 200m Butterfly and 200m and 400m Individual Medley.

And some of her times were set when she was just 13 years old.

She will not be the only West Cumbrian as four others from Cockermouth ASC have also qualified, Lucy McKenzie, Rebecca Clark, Luke Greenbank and Grant Taylor.

Coach, Helen Asquith, said: “The competition will be an amazing opportunity for the youngsters to rub shoulders with the likes of double Olympic gold medallist Rebecca Adlington and World Champion and World Record holder Liam Tancock.

“It will no doubt prove to be one of the most exciting and fiercely contested competitions this country has ever seen.”

Anna will swim on Saturday, Monday and Tuesday in the tough meet, which will be a fantastic opportunity for her.

Published by http://www.whitehavennews.co.uk