A YOUNG swimmer has her sights set on the Paralympics in Rio 2016.

Twelve-year-old Megan Atkinson, from Peterlee, County Durham, suffers from achondroplasia, the same condition as London 2012 gold medal heroine Ellie Simmonds.

She also shares a similar talent in the water and hopes to be competing alongside her in Brazil in three years time.

Megan, who attends St Bede’s School in Peterlee, said: “It would be great to take part in the Paralympics and represent Team GB.

“I like to be at the pool early. I try to be the first one there when the life guards come and really enjoy the challenge of competitions.”

Megan swims at Peterlee Amateur Swimming Club five times a week and competes in disability and able bodied swimming competitions.

For the last two years, Megan has reached qualifying times to compete at national level and this year she has reached qualifying times to compete at international level.

She also competes each year at the National Dwarf Games and has been selected to represent Great Britain at the World Dwarf Games in America.

Megan has recently won a Young Sporting Achievement of the Year award at the Easington Sport and Physical Activity Awards in the junior section for her achievements as a swimmer.

She has also won the Rising Star award at the Nationwide Disability Sports Awards which was held in Manchester.

Her father Kevin Atkinson added: “Megan is improving all of the time and every time she is competing she is getting personal bests. She is very focused. It would be fantastic for her to go to Rio.”

Her family is carrying out a series of sponsored events to send her to the World Dwarf Games in Michigan in August. To support her call Mr Atkinson on 0783-422-7795.