OPEN water swimmer Beth Hartwell will be competing in the national final in Sheffield on August 5, provided the water is clear of algae.
At Salford Quays, she competed in the North West Open Water Competition finishing third and being the second fastest of the Lancashire swimmers.
The Haslingden High School student said: “The top three get through to a place in the nationals which will be held at Rother Valley in Sheffield, however it may have to be postponed or cancelled because there is blue and green algae.”
Beth, 15, got into open water swimming in the first place because her mum Cath decided to start completing triathlons. Now Beth prefers open water to swimming in a pool.
She said: “I got on the England Talent Programme, which was held at Salford Quays, where we learnt all about nutrition and skill and we got to do a bit of swimming.
“I am now a member of the City of Manchester Swimming Team and I train seven days a week.
“I open water swim every Tuesday in Sale and I also swim in the pool from 5am to 7am so have to get up at 3.30am.
“I am hoping to apply to an American University after I complete my A levels to study something media or science related.”