Alicia Blagg learns of Olympic selection at school

Alicia Blagg

Leeds teenager Alicia Blagg learned of her selection for Great Britain's Olympic diving team while at school.

The 15-year-old, who is one of five City of Leeds divers in the 12-strong team, told BBC Radio Leeds how her Mum broke the news by texting her.

"I knew the time she was going to text me, so I went to see my Head of Year and opened the text then," Blagg said.

"It's the amazing feeling I've ever had. Now it's going to be train, train, train until the Olympics."

Blagg, who will compete in the 3m Synchro with Rebecca Gallantree, said she had been optimistic of selection after an outstanding performance in the British National Championships last weekend.

"I got first in synchro and second in the individual event, so it was looking pretty hopeful, but you can never be sure until it's actually confirmed.

"It's great that there'll be others from the club, we're all close and it helps your confidence to have friends around you. It's a great club, with great coaches and facilities."

Fortunately, this is not a major exam year for the teenager.

"Luckily I'm in year 10, so next year is the main year for GCSEs. School has been great with me though, they try and fit things around competitions, and we have tutors come with us on trips, so the homework has been manageable."

Blagg is the youngest double national champion England has seen in its diving history, taking both the 1m springboard and 3m synchronised titles in 2010.

She was also the youngest member of Team England at the Delhi Commonwealth Games, coming fourth in the 3m synchronised and sixth in the 1m springboard.