SWIMMING

WALTHAM ABBEY swim star Lauren Smith enjoyed a birthday to remember as she scooped gold and silver at the UK School Games.

The Epping Forest District Swimming Club star turned 15 on last Thursday and celebrated in style, cruising to victory in the multi-disability 50m freestyle 24 hours later in a time of 34.27 seconds.

Smith – who grabbed silver last year in Coventry – then reached the podium for the second time in as many days in the MD 200m Individual Medley, touching home in 3.02.81 minutes, narrowly behind Eleni Papadopoulos.

And the King Harold School pupil was delighted to round-off her season in style and believes she has what it takes to succeed when the Paralympics come to London in four years’ time.

“I’m absolutely delighted to have come here and got not one but two medals,” she said. “It’s the perfect birthday present.

“I came here last year and really enjoyed myself but to win makes it all the more special. I’ve been having a great time at this event.

“I’ve had a really good season in the pool and this is the ideal way to cap it off. I can now go away and train hard over the winter.

“I’ve got my eye on the Paralympic World Cup in 2010. It would be a fantastic achievement if I was able to get there.”

Smith – who will be glued to the action when Paralympics get under way on September 6 – has already underlined her potential by finishing 14th in the 2008 50m Youth Championships.

And the Essex swimming ace is determined to follow in the footsteps of hero, and five-time Paralympic champion, Natalie Du Toit.

“She is an absolute inspiration,” added Smith.

“I’d love to achieve just a small percentage of the things she has.”

The Youth Sport Trust organises the UK School Games to help transform sport for young people and create volunteering opportunities at major events.

The Legacy Trust UK supports cultural and sporting activities that celebrate the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games to leave a lasting legacy and is a funding partner for the Games.