Rayleigh swimmer Nathalie Brown is relishing the challenge of her first major event after being selected to compete for Britain at the World Championships in Japan.

The 17-year-old has represented the country at junior events and grand prix meetings since 1997 but is now stepping on to the big stage in the 1500m freestyle next month.

But currently the Borough of Southend club swimmer is maintaining her gruelling training regime before jetting out to the Far East on Thursday.

"It's my first major event so I'm over the moon," said former Fitzwimarc pupil Nathalie after her two and a half hour training session last night.

"There is quite a lot of pressure and I'm quite nervous. It's very daunting because I'm 17, but Ian Thorpe won Olympic events at 17 last year.

"However, my main aim is to make the final and then see whatever happens from there."

Nathalie's coach Mike Higgs is also pleased to see another of his swimmers follow in the wake of Borough of Southend successes like Sarah Hardcastle and Mark Foster.

"We are absolutely delighted for Nathalie because she has worked very hard this year," said Mike.

He said that Nathalie was world ranked 13th going to Japan and said the experience would be of huge benefit to her career.

Mike also acknowledged that if Nathalie kept up her good form then she would be in with a chance of making the Commonwealth Games next year.

But the swimmer is concentrating on the World Championship, saying: "I'll think about the Common-wealth Games when I get back. I'm taking it one step at a time."

Nathalie was selected yesterday to compete at the 9th FINA World Championships after she finished the 1500m 16 seconds inside the qualifying time while competing in the Scottish National Championships in Glasgow at the weekend.

Selection has come following an injury-free winter which has seen Nathalie only miss two training sessions since Christmas.

Nathalie Brown

By Paul Alton

Reporter's e-mail: paul.alton@newsquest.co.uk

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