TEENAGER Alisha Hawkins will race against the best of the rest in the country after qualifying for the British Championships.

The Winsford Amateur Swimming Club member will contest the 400m freestyle in her age group at the London Aquatics Centre, which hosts the showpiece for the first time since the Olympic trials in 2012.

“It’s a massive achievement for such a young swimmer,” said Dan Goodwin, the team’s head coach.

“It’s well-deserved too.”

He told the Guardian he is confident the 13-year-old can reach the required standard to compete over 800m for the same stroke after missing out by half a second last time she tried.

Goodwin added: “Alisha has another chance before the closing date, and I’m 100 per cent behind her.”

The British Championships, which also acts as a trial for international events later in the year, runs over five days in April.

Hawkins, along with clubmate Adam Blackshaw, has been selected for an English talent programme run by the ASA, the sport’s governing body.

The duo trained under the watchful eye of Fred Furniss, talent development officer for Swim North West.

Another Winsford swimmer, 11-year-old Jay Cushen, will attend a future camp.

Goodwin said: “They will each learn a lot.

“It’s fantastic as well for the club to have young swimmers representing it to the highest order.”

Winsford’s swim team turn their attention next to the annual Cheshire Championships, scheduled for later this month.

They will send a record entry of more than 50 youngsters, among them debutants, to take part in races at Macclesfield and Liverpool.