OLYMPIC hopeful Stacey Houldsworth is aiming to make a big impact at Sydney 2000 - providing she can shave a few seconds off her personal best.

The 18-year-old from Great Harwood has made staggering progress over the last six months to force herself into the Olympic reckoning.

And, with the Games now just seven months away, she is preparing for one final push to achieve her dream of making the British team.

Houldsworth has set her sights on competing in both the 400m and 800m as well as the 200m relay when the action gets under way in Australia.

But in order to qualify she must first finish in the top two and make the qualifying times at the British trials, set to take place in Sheffield at the end of July.

"Since November I've knocked 12 seconds off my 800m time so I think I've got a good chance," said Houldsworth.

"If I swim like I have been doing and keep knocking time off I should make it."

Houldsworth needs a time of 8mins 37secs or better to make the 800m while the qualifying time for the 400 is 4mins 13secs.

At present, those times have so far eluded her but after recently scooping bronze in a World Cup event in Berlin she is confident she can still make the grade.

"I was chuffed by that because I did a five second personal best."

Houldsworth is looking to take another major step on the road to Australia when she competes in the World Championships next month.

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