CANON Slade School pupil Niamh Robinson has just finished a whistle-stop rollercoaster ride recording personal bests at the Commonwealth Games and winning medals at the ASA National Age Group Championships in Sheffield.

Media demands and competing against the likes of Scotland’s Hannah Miley, as well as a gruelling competition schedule have made for a hectic few weeks work for the 14-year-old.

The youngster had to leave Glasgow early to take part in the championships last week.

But she was able to kick back and rest after a whirlwind season at the Commonwealth Games closing ceremony on Sunday.

Proud mum Sue said: “Niamh’s next competition will not be before October, so she is having a well-earned rest for the next four or five weeks.

“She swam the 200m individual medley and 200m backstroke in Sheffield.

“In the 200m IM heats, she qualified fifth fastest for the final in a time of 2:23:95, just slightly slower than her personal best, but just missed out on the final in the 200m backstroke finishing 11th in 2:24:22 (first reserve). “In the 200m individual medley final, she claimed her first ever national medal, finishing third in a new PB time of 2:20:78 – knocking three seconds off her previous PB, and setting a new Manx Junior and Senior record in the process.

“Then she had to withdraw from the 200m breaststroke due to a knee injury she has been carrying recently.

“It was felt to be more beneficial to withdraw her and allow her to concentrate on the 100m fly which took place just after. “In that race she improved her personal best to 1:04:08, again setting a new Manx Junior record and securing the fifth fastest position in the final.

“She also swam in the 4x100m Freestyle Team Relay, qualifying in 11th position in 4:07:04, the girls improved their time to 4:05:68, but unfortunately, even swimming faster, they finished 13th overall, missing the final by just under a second.” Robinson took advantage of a day’s break out of the pool to recouperate.

Sue said: “She was slightly off pace in the 100m backstroke finishing in a time of 1:07:50 and a disappointing 15th overall.

“After returning to the hotel for a well-earned nap prior to competing in her final for the 100m breaststroke later that evening, she returned to the pool totally refreshed and determined to swim well in what would be her final event before the end of the season. At the halfway point, she turned fourth fastest in a time of 34:65, a bit slower than she had hoped.

“However, she swam a fantastic last 50m, finishing in a time of 1:12:78, taking the silver medal in the process, as she claimed her second medal of the championships – an amazing end to a very memorable two weeks of competition.”