OCS Announces Sports Grant for British Swimming Champion

SANDERSTEAD, England, March 31, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- British swimming champion, 19 year old Ellen (Ellie) Gandy recently had her success in the British Gas Swimming Championships in Manchester - 2 podium first places in the 100m and 200m butterfly - capped by being awarded an OCS Sports Grant to support her two year campaign and schedule leading up to the 2012 Olympics.

At the Championships, Ellen not only retained her titles but recorded a time of just 0.02 outside the current fastest world time. Her preparations for London 2012 will require her to continue her training in Melbourne with global travel to compete and represent Britain on the senior international swimming circuit.

OCS aims to support outstanding young athletes and contribute to the overall vision for the future of British sport. John Clark of OCS commented: "Ellie's training campaign presents funding difficulties which fit into the OCS Young Sports Person grant scheme for exceptional performance and we are delighted to be able to support her total commitment."

On receiving her medals and news of the OCS grant at the Manchester Championships, Ellie said: "I've been so lucky with the support I've received from my family and from heroes of mine like my training partner Michael Klim who is the Butterfly Olympic Champion and world record holder. I'm grateful for all the help I've had from the people who have provided the facilities for me to train - and now to OCS for their grant. It just means that I can invest in the best training and attend the right camps to help me maintain my focus for the Worlds and 2012.

http://www.ocs.co.uk

Editors notes:

Ellie Gandy -

- Was picked for the British Swimming Fast track at 13

- Could swim a width underwater at 3 - but couldn't swim on top!

- Her first 'meet' was at Brighton Open at age 9 - she won every category!

- Started in Nationals aged 11 and won 5 Gold medal

- Attended altitude camp in Mexico for 6 weeks at 13 years old.