16-year-old Izzy Blackhurst, a student at Taunton School Sixth Form, has qualified for a trial to join the Great Britain Olympic swimming team.

The trials, being held at the London Aquatic Centre between 2nd – 7th April 2024, will see Izzy swim the 200m Freestyle in hopes of securing a place in Team GB at the Paris Olympics this summer.

Izzy began swimming competitively when she was nine, after first learning to swim when she was five years old. Izzy joined Taunton School in September 2023 and as she is part of Taunton Deane Swimming Club, which uses Taunton School as its base, Izzy was already very familiar with the school’s swimming pool.

Izzy said of her accomplishment: “I am really excited about qualifying for the Olympic trials this year!

“I first qualified back in 2021 when I was 13 but didn’t get the chance to swim in the trials due to Covid-19 restrictions, so it makes qualifying again even more special.”

Izzy is currently at the peak of a rigorous training programme which, in part, goes beyond the pool and considers optimal nutrition and strength and conditioning training, amongst other integral parts of her preparation.

Izzy’s training is also preparing her for the South West Regional Championships with the goal of qualifying in as many events as possible at British and summer championships.

Head of Swimming at Taunton School, Beth Mottram, said: “Izzy’s achievement is outstanding and we as a school are extremely proud of her.

“Regardless of the outcome of her trials, the dedication, resilience, and determination in which Izzy has demonstrated are hugely admirable and beyond her years. I have never met a young person as tenacious and focused as Izzy. These qualities alone will be instrumental in her success.”

The Olympic swimming trials, which double as the British Swimming Championships, will be streamed live on BBC iPlayer and Channel 4’s website with further coverage provided on BBC Radio 5 Live.