Kirklees swimmer Ellie Reidy admitted she felt privileged to compete in the London 2012 Olympic pool at the British Swimming Championships.
Reidy was swimming in the 100m breaststroke heats at the London Aquatics Centre – the first major competition at the venue since the 2012 Olympic Games.
The Borough of Kirklees swimmer clocked a time of 1.17.84 minutes in her heat, missing out on a place in the final.
But Reidy revealed that she had relished the opportunity to swim in such an iconic venue and felt proud to have done herself justice.
“I was really pleased with my start in that race because I knew that was important if I was going to get the time I wanted,” she said.
“I was looking for that time and I think the atmosphere in the venue just made that bit of difference and knocked a little a few seconds off my swim.
“I’ve never competed here before so it’s been incredible to have a chance to come and see some of the big names walking around.”
The 100m breaststroke was Reidy’s only race of the competition but she believes the experience will stand her in good stead for the rest of the season.
Next up for the swimmer are nationals later this year and Reidy is determined to make the times for both the 100m and 200m races after suffering an injury plagued season.
“It was really pleasing because I’ve had so many problems this season with sinusitis, chest infections and then I had a knee injury as well earlier in the season,” she added.
