NIAMH Robinson may only be 15, but she is proud to already be considered a role model.

The Darwen swimmer had a record-breaking year to remember in 2014, representing the Isle of Man - the birthplace of her mother - in six events in Glasgow’s Commonwealth Games, competing against the likes of GB star Hannah Miley.

Niamh was the youngest Isle of Man competitor to reach a semi-final - two in total - and was the highest placed junior Manx female athlete ever at the Commonwealth Games.

In addition, she helped Lancashire win the ASA National County Team Championships for a 13th consecutive year and at the Isle of Man Championships, she set five championship records and two junior island records.

Far from resting on her laurels, the teenager is ready to move on to bigger and better things, targeting the Commonwealth Youth Games in Samoa in the hope of that leading to selection for the next Olympics, Rio 2016.

But Niamh feels it is just as important to make time for the people who have helped her get this far, and is now teaching, as well as training, with Pioneer 79 Swimming Club.

“On Saturday mornings I take swimming lessons so I kind of give back to the club what I’ve received,” said Niamh, who was voted Young Sports Personality of the Year at the Grassroots Heroes Awards.

“I think that’s a good way for the younger members of the club to recognise me as well because sometimes I get talked about and they don’t know who I am, so when I’m teaching them they say ‘Are you Niamh?’ “It’s good to interact with them and see what they are getting up to. I like to think of myself as a role model because I’ve been made girls’ captain this year.

“It’s not pressure but I’ve been given responsibility. Because I’m the oldest competing girl at the club, I need to set an example for the younger swimmers.

“And it kind of gives me a bit of nudge to get on with things because the girls are catching me up and I need to get a move on. It’s good pressure.”

Niamh has willingly taken on the role of mentor too.

“I can talk to the kids and understand them because I know how certain races feel.

“At the weekend there was a girl who didn’t want to do the 800m freestyle. I don’t blame her but we talked about it and I asked what was wrong.

“I think it’s easier to relate to me because I’ve been through those experiences and so I know how they feel.”

Of her own future ambitions, Niamh added: “I’m training for the Commonwealth Youth Games in Samoa in September, but it all depends if I’m chosen.

“I’ve got 13 consideration times at the moment so I need to try to step it up to qualifying times if I can. I’m not far off that at all because the margins are really small.

“The island are only taking six athletes out of everything so it’s going to be a battle to get there, but I like a challenge. I’m excited.”