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Alder to follow Adlington's lead?

28/ 8/2008

RISING Salford star Katrina Alder has vowed to take a leaf out of double Olympic champion Rebecca Adlington’s book and secure back-to-back UK School Games titles in Bath this weekend.

The 16-year-old started last year’s campaign in Coventry slowly, finishing sixth in the 100 metres freestyle. But she quickly put that to bed by storming to 200m individual medley gold.

Katrina, who attends Pendleton College, rubbed shoulders with Beijing hero Adlington at the Olympics trials in May where she competed in the 50m freestyle and the 200m individual medley.

Adlington became the first British female to win double Olympic gold in 100 years in the Far East and Alder believes that the 19-year-old’s efforts will inspire her to rule the roost in Bath.

Katrina said: "I was watching all of the action in Beijing really closely and what Rebecca achieved was amazing. You could see it lift all of the other British swimmers and, hopefully, it will get me going as well.

"I was really pleased with what I achieved last year and I am determined to retain my crown.

"This has been a really enjoyable year for me and going to the Olympic trials was a great experience because all of the best British swimmers were there.

"I gained a lot of confidence from that and knowing that I took gold with a year’s less experience will inspire me to perform even better this year."

The City of Salford Swimming Club star will take to the water with the best that Great Britain has to offer at the four-day multi-sport event.

But Katrina, who will be competing at her second UK School Games, insists that she has no fear despite a sell-out crowd expected at Millfield School.

She said: "I began swimming when I was eight and I have always dreamed of competing in front of large crowds. My season starts shortly after the UK School Games so it will be good to get some time in the pool.

"Last year was an amazing experience. It was unlike anything I had ever done and I hope that it is just as good in Bath."

The Youth Sport Trust organises the UK School Games to help transform sport for young people. The Legacy Trust UK supports cultural and sporting activities that celebrate the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games to leave a lasting legacy and is a funding partner.