IT promises to be a hectic few weeks for swimmer Katie Rillet-Young as she prepares to compete on the national and world stage.

The talented Burnley Bobcats swimmer takes part in the British Gas ASA National Championships in Sheffield at the end of the month before jetting out to America for the World Dwarf Games in Michigan.

The Shuttleworth College student has also just returned from an England Talent Training Group session in Leicester while, in September, she will represent England North at the UK School Games.

“It promises to be a busy few weeks but Katie is looking forward to it,” said dad Roger. “Unfortunately, the National Championships and the World Dwarf Games overlap so Katie will not be able to compete in all of her races in Sheffield.”

The 14-year-old will compete in the 400m freestyle on Tuesday, July 30 and then return the following day to compete in the 50m freestyle where she will have one eye on trying to achieve the World Class Talent Programme qualifying time.

“It will be tough for Katie because she will be competing against Paralympians and swimmers who will be competing in the World Championships a few weeks after. She would love to win a medal as that is something you always aim for but, realisticly, it is all about striving to achieve personal best times,” Roger added.

Following the ‘splash and dash’ of the 50m freestyle, it will be another dash to the airport for Katie to fly out to Michigan where she will be competing in a range of sports and not just her preferred swimming events.

The talented teenager has been training with Pendle Athletics Club as she prepares to compete in the shot put – an event she won in the National Dwarf Games last year.

She will also take part in pistol shooting, archery, boccia and football. But the main event is the swimming.

“It is going to be something of an unknown quantity as we won’t really know how strong the field will be,” added Roger. “The Americans are sure to have a strong team so we will have to wait and see.”

Katie, who won the Lancashire Telegraph Grass Roots Heroes young sports personality award last year, will compete in the 50m, 100m and 200m freestyle, the 100m breaststroke and also the 4 x 50m freestyle relay.

“The swimming is of course the main reason Katie is going and she will be hoping to get among the medals but the other sports are a nice distraction, it will give her a chance to sample other sports with no pressure on her,” said Roger.

“Whatever happens, this is going to be a great experience for Katie and another learning curve for her as she makes those steps forward.”

Roger thanked Shuttleworth College who have been fund-raising to help towards Katie’s trip to America.

He added: “As always, the school has been fantastic and has been very supportive. We are very grateful for everything they have done and raising money for Katie’s trip is a lovely touch from them.”