TEENAGE swimming star Lizzie Allen from Froxfield is aiming for gold at the World Championships after winning a Bronze medal at the European Championships in Sardinia.

Lizzie, a former student at The Petersfield School now at Swanmore College, travelled to Sardinia to represent Great Britain (GB) in the four-day 5th Open Down Syndrome European Swimming Championships.

She said: “I love being part of the GB Squad, and I am so proud to be European Champion. My next big event will be the World Championships in Turkey and I’m aiming for Gold.”

The 15-year-old competed alongside more than 100 swimmers from 19 countries, and her Bronze medal helped the GB squad to win the competition and be crowned European Champions.

Lizzie, a member of Alton and District Swimming Club, also came away with Top Under 17 Junior in four events, receiving Gold Medals in 50m, 100m, 200m Breaststroke and 100m backstroke.

She also achieved four personal bests.

Swimming club head coach, Luke Surplice said “Lizzie has worked incredibly hard in preparation for this event and with her commitment and determination, she absolutely deserves this success.”

Lizzie’s mother, Kate Allen, also said she is very proud of her daughter’s achievements.

Last year Lizzie, then 14, travelled to Nova Scotia in Canada to represent Great Britain in the ninth Down Syndrome World Swimming Championships.

She competed alongside 200 swimmers from 25 nations, and returned home with two bronze medals and a silver, helping Britain to secure second place overall.