ABINGDON Vale’s Lottie James claimed three podium places in her first experience of high-level competition at the Manchester International.

The event was a Commonwealth Games qualifier so a number of the British Olympic team were competing, including world record-holder Adam Peaty who was in the same warm-up lane as the 13-year-old.

“It was so exciting, but I tried to focus on my own race preparation,” said James, who got two seconds and a third in the 200m individual medley, 200m backstroke and 50m breaststroke at her age.

Following her silver medal at nationals this summer, James has maintained her place on the England Talent Pathway

Her coach, Amanda Ford, has also been appointed head regional coach for the south east.