A SUPER swimmer from Chester has been called up to compete at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.

Cassie Wild, 20, will be making her first appearance at the Olympics, which has been delayed by a year due to the Covid pandemic and will now be held from July 23-August 8.

Cassie's place in Team GB was confirmed following the second phase of selection at the British Swimming Selection Trials in London last month.

The former Waverton and Christleton High School pupil went on to attend Ellesmere School in Shropshire with a swimming scholarship, having learnt to swim at Chester City Baths.

She now trains at the University of Stirling in Scotland, and will be competing in the 100-metre backstroke event.

As part of her preparation for her Olympic debut, Cassie has also been picked by Team GB to compete in this month's European Aquatics Championships, which like the Olympics were also due to take place in 2020 but were delayed by a year due to Covid.

A total of 28 swimming athletes are currently confirmed to compete for Team GB in the Olympics.

Team GB Chef de Mission for Tokyo 2020, Mark England, commented: “The quality of this team is exceptionally high and the recent selection trials illustrated how dedicated each swimmer has been to earning their selection for Tokyo throughout what has undoubtedly been a very challenging period. Congratulations to everyone and we look forward to watching you all in action in Tokyo.”

Speaking of the quality of the team selected to travel to Japan, British Swimming Performance Director and Swimming Team Leader for Tokyo, Chris Spice, said: “What an amazing week of racing we just witnessed at the iconic London Aquatic Centre. We had several stand out performances and personal bests at every turn.

"We have over 40 per cent athletes on the team that were not with us at our last World Championships in 2019 which demonstrates the outstanding work coaches and support staff across Britain have done keeping these athletes training to the highest of levels in very challenging circumstances during the last 18 months.

“Of course, our work has only just begun and we now turn our attention to swimming faster in the summer which I know every athlete on this team is capable of. If we do this I am sure we can have a very successful Tokyo Games.”

Edinburgh-born Cassie has previously competed in the Commonwealth Youth Games.