Siobhan-Marie O'Connor ready for step into unknown at British Championships

Despite being just 19-years-old, O'Connor is fast ticking off plenty of boxes in the world of swimming, having already competed at an Olympic Games and two World Championships.

And last year she continued her rapid rise as she won medals in all six events she competed in at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow – including winning gold in the 200m individual medal.

This success north of the border came hot on the heels of O'Connor winning her maiden domestic titles as she topped the podium in both the 200m individual medley and 200m freestyle at the 2014 British Championships – adding 100m butterfly silver for good measure.

And the teenager is determined to prove that she can handle the pressure of being the one to beat when the 2015 British Swimming Championships start this week.

O'Connor said: "I am really looking forward to defending my titles at the British Championships. I haven't been in that situation before but it is something I am excited to do. The last British Championships were great for me and it was great to win my first domestic titles and it was a great stepping stone for the Commonwealth Games.

"This time around we have the World Championships this summer and I am hoping for another confidence boost at the British Championships to make that team now.

"The Commonwealth Games was an incredible experience and to do as well as I did was great and I want to build on that now. So getting used to defending a title is something I am looking forward to doing and hopefully it will set me up to have another good year."

© Sportsbeat 2015