Straughan off to Finland with Team GB

Sam Straughan will take to the water for Team GB at the European Youth Olympic Festival in Finland.

The Maidenhead swimmer is part of the 61-strong squad of athletes selected by the British Olympic Association heading to Tampere on July 18.

"I am really excited at the moment about being selected for the European Youth Olympic Festival, but I am sure I will feel nervous as the event comes closer," said Straughan, who is studying in Plymouth.

"This will be my first international competition and it is a real honour to represent my country. I am hoping to make a final during the competition. I think that would be a great.”

Last year, GB finished third int he medal table with a haul of nine gold, seven silver and seven bronze medals.
Nearly 2,500 athletes will compete from 49 European nations across nine sports: athletics, cycling, gymnastics, judo, swimming, tennis, basketball, handball and volleyball.