OLYMPIC GAMES swimmer Jessica Lloyd saw in the New Year on the West Coast of the United States.
The 18-year-old from Diggle is spending a fortnight in San Diego where City of Manchester Aquatics is holding a two-week training camp. 
The camp marks the start of an important year for Jessica which she hopes will culminate in selection by England for this summer’s Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
It will be a busy start to 2014 for Jessica as the former Diggle Primary and Saddleworth School pupil also competes for Great Britain in the Flanders Cup in Belgium while the trials for the Commonwealth Games take place in April.
Mum Ann admitted Jessica found it tough after London 2012 where she swam in the 4 x 100m freestyle relay.
“A lot of athletes struggled and go through a bit of a bump after the Olympics and it took Jessica awhile to get over that,” she explained.
Jessica is back in full training which comprises four early mornings each week – with a five o’clock start – and five evenings, all at Manchester Aquatics Centre.
On top of that intense training schedule, Jessica also works part time as a teaching assistant in the PE department at Waterhead Academy.
It has been a challenging time for Jessica, both in and out of the pool as swimming had its funding cut after a poor showing at the Olympic Games in London.
Jessica , who is ranked No 2 in the British rankings for the 100m freestyle, has been lucky to still receive money after being included on the Podium Potential list of athletes which is second to Podium Finish.
While the 100m freestyle would be Jessica’s favoured event in Glasgow, she also could compete in the 50m and 200m freestyle, 4 x 100m and 4 x 200m freestyle depending on how well she performs in the trials.
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