The Team Leicestershire Talent Ambassadors & Athletes aim to blog about their competitions and training sessions at around once a month to keep us at Active Together updated on their progress.
Clicking on an athlete will also give you access to their individual profile and updates.
I thought I would be writing about my experience at the European Indoor Championships which were due to be held in Samsum, Turkey in this month's blog. However a week before I was due to fly out, Turkey was hit by a devastating earthquake. After initially postponing the competition the organisers eventually made the difficult decision to cancel. Whilst this was obviously the correct decision under the circumstances and my thoughts were with all those affected, it was still tinged with disappointment as I had worked hard throughout the indoor season to qualify and prepare for this competition. My focus is now on preparing for the outdoor season which starts in April and one of my first competitions will be the European Grand Prix.
#proud to be a 2023 TLT Ambassador
I had a fantastic time competing at the 72nd ESSA championships at the weekend.
I swam hard and was able to claim the bronze medal positions in both the 200m and 400m Individual Medley events.
I managed pb's in both events too and also achieved the qualifying time for the 400m IM at the British Championships next month in Sheffield.
The weekend flew by, and I had a great time representing the East Midlands and making new friends in the county.
I've just got back from Istanbul where I competed as part of the 4 x 400m relay team For GB. It was another amazing experience leading out my country and I was very pleased with how my leg went.
I've had a very successful indoor season with a win, indoor PB And meeting record at a World indoor Tour Bronze meet in Dortmund Germany, a 2nd place at another World indoor tour bronze Meet in Manchester. A silver medal at The British indoor Championships and selection for GB for the European indoor champ for the 4 x 400m relay.
A few days rest and then back to training getting ready for the outdoor season!
The start of 2023 wasn't what I had planned!
Late January I fell on my right knee whilst playing netball at school. After a visit to A&E I was given crutches and told to rest.
I had 3 weeks off training, but continued to do my exercises set by my physio.
3 weeks ago I returned back to swimming, the first 2 weeks on reduced sessions.
Last night I tested out how strong my knee was when I competed in the Winter League gala for my base club - Leicester Sharks.
It was lovely to get back to competition swimming, after having to pull out of 2 events in January and February.
Looking forward now to next weekend where I will be swimming for East Midlands in the ESSA event.
Jessica 😀
For more information please contact:

Matt Hackfath
Development Officer (Children & Young People)
Active Together
I am working flexibly in the office or at home, therefore please contact me via email or phone number provided.
My areas of responsibility are:
- Telephone
- 01509 467484
- m.hackfath@active-together.org