ONE of Britain's brightest Olympic prospects has received a major boost to her medal hopes.

Teenage swimming sensation Joanne Jackson, from Richmond, qualified for Athens in April when she recorded the fastest time in the world this year for the 400m freestyle.

She will now be joined in the Greek capital by her mentor, David McNulty, who is one of only eight coaches chosen to accompany the Great Britain team.

"I am really proud to be representing my country," said McNulty. "It only comes around once every four years and to be there will be something special.

"Joanne is one of the youngest members of the team. She really wanted me to go and I am pleased I will be there to help with what she goes through emotionally."

Joanne, 17, swims for Derwentside Amateur Swimming Club and is coached by McNulty, the swimming development officer at Belle Vue Leisure Centre in Consett.

McNulty won a place in the GB squad after a two-week training camp in Cyprus last month.

During the camp, the UK team, including Joanne, were among 12 countries invited over to Athens to take part in a swimming tournament at the new Olympic pool.

"It was fantastic to see the facilities," said McNulty. "There are stories flying around about what is and is not ready over there, but the pool was great."

Joanne, who also trains with Richmond Dales ASC, won a gold and a silver medal in the contest, but her coach is playing down her medal chances at the real thing in August.

"She is only 17 so hopefully will have another two or three Olympics in her," he said. "This time we are just aiming to enjoy the experience and help Joanne make the finals."

The pair fly out to Cyprus next Friday for two more weeks of climate training before heading off to the Olympic village in Athens.