Dickons Tells the Tale
A Teesside teenager who represented Great Britain at the European Championships in Hungary has spoken about her trip to Budapest.
Tees Active Sports Academy and Borough of Stockton Swimming star Jessica Dickons made her full international debut last week at the Alfred Hajos Swimming Complex. Jessica was crowned British 200m butterfly champion in April and in July became European Junior Champion.
Jessica was part of the most successful British Swimming Team as they were crowned Champions of Europe and on a personal front Jessica finished fifth in the final of the 200m butterfly and achieving a personal best of 2:07.09 in the semi-finals.
Jessica said, “I met up with my GB team at the Hotel Madison in Budapest where I roomed with Stephanie Proud who is originally from Chester-le –Street and was part of the 200m freestyle relay team. The training facilities were fantastic and the swimming arena held up to 5000 people. I was a little apprehensive meeting the other 46 members of the GB team but I quickly was made to feel part of the team.
I was in contact with my parents and my coach Graeme throughout the championships and I was happy with my performance. One of the strangest incidents was when a ‘wicked’ electric storm caused the postponement of some races at the open air competition pool.”
Jessica is now taking a well-earned 2-week break in which time she will celebrate her sixteenth birthday with a barbecue with her Borough of Stockton Swimming team mates.
Jessica will start training after her short break for the World Championships in March whilst also studying for her BTEC in Sports Studies.
Jessica added “ Competing in Hungary has wetted my appetite for further international competition”
For further information on Tees Active Sports Academy contact Academy Manager Allan McDermott on (01642) 528772.