Dewsbury-based Kate Hutchinson has already enjoyed plenty of success at junior level, winning two golds and a bronze at the recent National Championships in the 16 to 17 years category and is hoping that London 2012 will be a case of perfect timing in her quest for Olympic gold.

Hutchinson, who competes in the 200m individual medley, 400m individual medley and 200m breaststroke events, currently trains at the John Charles Sports Centre in Leeds and has been a keen swimmer since the age of three.

She has progressed to become one of the top-ranked swimmers in her age group and will be looking to continue her strong form when the new gala season begins again in late October.

The sport in this country has received a massive boost from the success of Adlington, pictured right, who became the first British female to achieve a swimming gold since Huddersfield-born Anita Lonsbrough in 1960.

Hutchinson is delighted that the sport has managed to achieve a degree of recognition not seen for many years in this country, and is hoping to be involved in a bright future for British swimming.

The talented youngster undergoes a demanding training regime, which she also has to balance alongside studying for four A-Levels.

"I usually train nine times a week, three mornings (5-7am), five evenings (4.30-7.30pm) and Sundays (3-7pm)," she said. "A typical day would mean getting up at 4.15am to get to the swimming pool by 5am, train until 7am, come home, have breakfast and go to school.

"Straight from school, we go to training, usually having a sandwich in the car on the way there, train in the water until 6.30pm then gym work until 7.30pm.

"When I arrive home, I have a meal and then do homework as I'm studying for A-Levels at the moment, so I usually have coursework to do."

Given the demands placed on her in trying to juggle all of her responsibilities, just how does she manage to fit everything in and maintain a balance?

"Plenty of organisation!" she said. "You also need to be really dedicated, but my school is supportive and they do give me time off for important competitions or training camps.

"I am indebted to my parents for all the support they give me and in particular, taking me to events all over the country."

With the success Great Britain has had out in Beijing, the profile of London 2012 has been raised enormously, providing a great deal of focus on the athletes in this country with expectations having now been raised for Team GB to top the impressive medal haul from this Olympics.