Swimmer Isobel Jones is one of 1,600 youngsters competing at this year’s Sainsbury’s 2014 School Games - a major multi-sport event for elite young athletes.
The 17-year-old from Ivinghoe will represent England East in the swimming, just one of 12 sports being contested at the four day event in Manchester which is supported by National Lottery funding from Sport England and delivered by the Youth Sport Trust.
While at the event, Isobel will get a taste of the pressure and excitement of competing at the highest level.
She will experience an athlete’s village, take part in opening and closing ceremonies, and perform in front of a crowd of thousands.
A delighted Isobel said: “I am honoured to be selected to compete in the Sainsbury’s 2014 School Games.
“My main aims for competing at the School Games are to do my best and to try and get the best placing result as possible. I’m looking forward to the experience and competing against new people.”
A number of British stars have all been on the same journey as Isobel and experienced competing at the Sainsbury’s School Games before going on to success at a senior level.
In 2008 Team GB’s rising star of the heptathlon, Katarina Johnson-Thompson bagged a gold medal and with it the record of 1.78m in the Girls’ High Jump.
Paralympic Swimming Gold medallist, Ellie Simmonds took gold and two silvers in the pool in 2006.
Paralympic Gold Medallist sprinter Jonnie Peacock came first in 2009’s Ambulant 100m, setting a then record time of 12:85.
Alongside the competing athletes, there will be around 400 budding volunteers under 25 years old to help bring the Sainsbury’s 2014 School Games to life for the young athletes, along with thousands of spectators.
Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, Sajid Javid said: “Congratulations to Isobel for being selected to take part in this year’s Sainsbury’s 2014 School Games in Manchester for what I am sure will be an extremely successful event and a chance for our young sporting talent to shine.”