A TALENTED young synchronised swimmer, who trains at Thornbury Leisure Centre, has landed a big coup by being picked to represent the nation.

The youngster has been selected to compete for Great Britain having claimed two medals at the National Championships.

Competing in her first competition for the 13-to-15 age group, Grace Cruickshank, 14, secured two medals at the National Age Group Synchronised Swimming Championships in December, with a silver in the team routine.

She is a member of the City of Bristol club and won an amazing bronze medal after placing third of 117 girls in the figures section of the competition.

Following her success there, Cruickshank earned herself a place in the age group Great Britain squad after taking part in the ASA Synchronised Swimming GB Trials at Crystal Palace.

Cruickshank, who has trained at the Thornbury Leisure Centre pool, came seventh in the National Championships and thanked the centre’s staff for the facilities to train.

Cruickshank said: “I am looking forward to training more this year and the extra pool time at Thornbury Leisure Centre is a huge help towards achieving my goals and improving my ranking.”

Andy Robinson, manager of Thornbury Leisure Centre, said: “Grace is a fantastic athlete, and here at the leisure centre we are delighted to do all we can to support her.

“Through hard work and dedication to her training she has achieved great things – she is a real inspiration.”

Synchronised swimming is a physically challenging sport in which athletes need to maintain grace and pose whilst kicking their legs below water and holding their breath for long periods when upside down in the pool.