Congratulations to Year 8 Natasha Sinha, who qualified for the British Gas Championships, held at Ponds Forge International Sports Centre, Sheffield, 29th March-3rd April 2010.

These were also the trials for the Commonwealth Games, so the qualifying standards were very high this year. No pressure then! At only just 13 years of age Natasha was one of the youngest swimmers to participate. Three GBR swimmers - Ellen Gandy, Francesca Halsall and Jemma Lowe - were all competing in the same event.

There were only four heats. Natasha qualified for the 100m Butterfly event, narrowly missing out on qualifying for the 200m event as well. Natasha swam a season’s best time, which was very impressive considering this was her first British Championships.

Natasha returns to Ponds Forge in July for the British Gas Age Group National Championships. She has already qualified in the 100 & 200m Butterfly and 200m Back events. Not satisfied with 3 events, she is working on some more qualifying times, and she’s getting very close. Good luck Natasha! Watch this space!