It started in Hammersmith for Amelia Maughan – but she hopes chapter one ends with a Commonwealth Games medal in Glasgow.

Preferably, it goes with the bonus of a decent performance at the Youth Olympics in China just three weeks later.

Success, however, is a double-edged sword for the 18-year-old, who used the pool at St Paul’s School across the Thames from Hammersmith to help get her thus far.

Her career in water has laid barren A level studies, and she admits she may not even get to sit them next year either.

“I found I wasn’t able to do justice to studies while training non-stop as I do,” she explained. “I had to stop A levels in April, and depending on how the next year goes I might not be able to sit them then either.”

Maughan is ‘not 100 per cent sure’ for which events she will be required in Glasgow, although chances are she will step up from the 100m where she won a European junior bronze in 2012 to take on the 200m, as well as selection for one of the England relay squads.

“I know it was only two years ago, but it seems longer than that,” she added. “My quality swims are now at 200m level, but I’m ready for anything.”


Hammersmith's Amelia Maughan who has been selected for the Team England swimming squad for the Commonwealth Games

Maughan was the anchor leg in a British record-breaking silver medal swim for the 4x100m at the Euro juniors in Antwerp, and despite the potential difference in calibre, views the Glasgow Games more important than the Youth Olympics.

“The reason why is because this is my first major selection at senior level,” she added.

“If I can get a medal in Glasgow, it will feel I’ve kind of arrived as a senior as well. Anything from Nanjing would be a bonus.”


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She used to cycle through Richmond Park when at school in west London, and if all goes according to plan might find it's a while before she packs books on to bicycle.

The swimming events start July 24 at the Tollcross International Swimming Centre in Glasgow’s East End.

Don’t forget to follow the Commonwealth Games here at GetWestLondon with our daily updates.