YOUNG swimmer Sharon Read is heading for uncharted waters with an appearance in a national championship.
The 15-year-old came second in the national championships of her native South Africa when she was ten, but next month competes for the first time against the cream of British swimmers.
Sharon, who came to this country four years ago, only began serious training again last September after moving to Northallerton College.
She now trains in Middlesbrough each weekday evening and three mornings a week, spending up to three hours a day in the water.
She said: "It takes up a lot of time. I don't go out much at nights but I see my Northallerton friends at weekends, if I'm not competing in a gala."
Sharon will compete in the 50m freestyle event for her age group in the national championships in Coventry on August 7.
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