GALLICA swimmers have again shown their potential as future Olympians after starring at recent national championships.

The elite county squad, which includes a number of swimmers from across East Lancashire, scooped honours at the National Age Groups and National Youth Championships.

And three local swimmers have been put on the Level Three England Talent Programme - a scheme for swimmers who have the potential to swim internationally at junior and senior level and considered prospects for the 2016 Olympics.

Jordan Theaker, a member of Great Harwood Otters, and sisters Lucy and Megan Davies - who also swim for Blackburn Centurions - all scooped medals alongside other local swimmers.

Lucy was the pick of the local swimmers, winning four golds, a silver and two bronze medals at the National Age Group finals.

“Lucy had an outstanding week,” said Gallica head coach Louise Robinson.

“She has worked hard throughout the year and is the youngest swimmer to be selected on to the Level Three Talent Programme.”

Davis won gold in the 200 and 400 IM and was a part of the winning 4x100m and 4x200m freestyle relay teams - which included Katie Gaffing (Great Harwood ASC) and Katie Jepson (Blackburn Centurions).

She also won silver in the 200m backstroke and picked up bronze medals in the 400m and 800m freestyle.

Sister Megan was also a medal winner at the National Youth Championships, winning bronze medals in the 400m IM and 200m freestyle.

“Megan had a lot to live up to after Lucy’s performance but she was very impressive as one of the youngest in the 14/15 years category,” added Robinson.

“She was only beaten by a European Junior Champion and a European Youth Olympic Champion.”

At the same event , Theaker won silver in the 1500m freestyle and bronze in both the 200m and 400m freestyle while Amelia Candon, a member of Pioneer 79, reached national finals for the first time this year.

Robinson believes Theaker is now a genuine medal contender at the European Junior Championships.

She said: “Jordan topped off a great year with some impressive swims in the Youth Championships.

He will no look to specialise his events as he enters a season that could see him selected for Great Britain for the European Junior Championships - and medals are a very realistic prospect.

“And Amelia rounded off a fairytale season with selection to the Level Two Talent Programme.

"She is very dedicated and has been rewarded with some amazing results.”

Gallica is now one of the most successful clubs in the country and will be represented at the Commonwealth Games in Delhi after Daniel Slinwinski at the Senior National Championships.

And Robinson believes local members could follow the Preston swimmer in to the major competitions.

“Daniel is an inspiration to the whole squad,” she said. “And I am sure the team will support his efforts over the next few weeks in the build up to his first major international.

"Our team ethos is our greatest strength.”