Gainsborough Dolphins swimming star working hard ahead of Rio 2016 Paralympics trials at Tollcross in Glasgow

Becky Franks is training hard in preparation for April’s international trials, which could earn the teenager a place on the plane to Brazil.

Although the teenager is more of a candidate for the Tokyo Paralympics in four years’ time, she’s still giving it everything to try and make this summer’s sporting highlight in South America.

“It would mean everything (to qualify). I’m more focused on Tokyo but Rio would be amazing” she said.

“I’m training between nine and 11 times a week, and my training sessions are between an hour and two and a half hours.”

Spending that much time in training means the 18-year-old has to miss out on some of the fun that accompanies teenage life.

And there are sacrifices made by family members too.

“You have to sacrifice going out with your friends, and sometimes even have to miss work.

“I’m a swimming teacher at Yarborough, and RAF Waddington.

“But I get loads of support from my family, and if I didn’t have my mum this wouldn’t be possible.

“She travels all over the country with me.”

The Lincoln girl was the Dolphins’ first ever swimmer with a disability, having been born with part of her right arm missing.

She will represent Lincolnshire in county action next weekend, but all her efforts are concentrated on April’s British Para-Swimming International at Tollcross in Glasgow.

Although she’s under no illusions as to how tough the trials will be.

“It will be really difficult, with swimmers from all over the world taking part.

“It’s going to be hard, but things are going really well at the minute, and I’m enjoying being at Gainsborough Dolphins.”