SHE is a sports star in the making.

Maisie Burnand-Martin is only 11 and yet she’s a national swimming champion.

Maisie has just swum away with four medals at the Cerebral Palsy Sport nationals swimming championships in Nottingham.

A pupil at Golcar Junior and Infants School, Maisie has a form of cerebral palsy and was unable to even walk until she was four.

But she’s a pro in the pool and has now attracted the attention of swimming scouts looking for future Paralympic champions.

Proud mum Andrea said: “She is like a torpedo. She’s just done amazingly and I think she is a bit shocked by how well she’s done.

“She was waving to the crowd when they shouted her name and even though she looked tired at the final race she found some energy to win a medal.

“Swimming has given her so much self-esteem, it’s just fantastic for her.”

Maisie lives in Scapegoat Hill with mum Andrea, sister Jessica, 14, and brother Arran, 10.

Last Sunday Maisie won gold in the 100m breaststroke, bronze in the 50m backstroke, silver in the 50m breaststroke and silver in the 100m backstroke. She also improved on all her personal best times.

Maisie swims with the Borough of Kirklees disabled swimming squad and is a member of Brighouse Swimming Club.

She swims with able bodied swimmers at Brighouse and in 2011 won their outstanding achievement shield.

She is part of ASA North East Region and is in their long-term athletic programme, with the ultimate goal being the Paralympics.

Mum Andrea added: “It’s a wonderful achievement for a child who was born with left sided hemiplegia, a form of cerebral palsy. She also suffers from epilepsy and she has had a struggle to get where she is.

“Maisie didn’t manage to walk until she was four years old and used a walking frame and special shoes with splints in.

“She is determined and full of energy with a great sense of humour.”

Unknown to Maisie and her family, an amateur swimming association rep was watching her at the contest and described her as having “great potential” for the future.

“Her aim is to get on the podium at the Paralympics,” Andrea added. “She’s got a competitive streak and she’s dedicated to it.

“But she is also brilliant with young children and I can see her coaching them in the future as well”.