SWIMMING sensation Stacey Houldsworth aims to play catch-up when she makes her Great Britain debut in San Diego at the weekend.

The 18-year-old psychology student has been knocking on the door of the British team all summer.

But an impressive display for England in the Canadian Nationals three weeks ago has finally persuaded British selectors to include her in their squad for the three-team event which starts on Saturday.

Great Harwood-based Houldsworth joined up with the 30-strong British squad in London today before jetting out to California for the meeting against France and the United States.

And the former Burnley Bobcat is confident she can come home with another medal following on from her silver with England in the 400 metres freestyle at Montreal last month.

"I'm confident I can do well but I'm not sure what to expect because I don't know how strong the Americans will be," said Houldsworth.

"I knew I'd been picked to go to Canada with England and then they asked me if I was available to go to America.

"It was only when I got a letter through the post that I knew I'd made it.

"Obviously, I'm thrilled to be selected.

"But there are a lot of people who have achieved this at a younger age than me.

"Though, hopefully, I can make up for lost time."

Houldsworth will probably compete in both the 800 and 400 metres front-crawl and each event will be contested by a one-off race.

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