TEENAGE swimming star, Joanne Jackson, defends her 200m butterfly title at the national championships, which open in Sheffield this weekend.

The 15-year-old from Richmond, who has been training consistently for three hours a day since Easter, has been keeping an eye on her rivals' times in competition this year.

With her own performance improving, she is confident of holding off her challengers to take another gold in the event she won last year.

However, Joanne will also be hoping to add to her tally of victories; she also swims in another six events, including the 100m breaststroke, in which she won bronze last year.

"I've been working hard on technique and my times in training have been improving, so I hope I can do well," said Joanne yesterday.

Her mother and father will be cheering her on throughout the competition, which starts on Sunday and runs until Friday.

However, sister and fellow swimmer Nicola will be absent; she is in Japan competing in the World Championships with the British team.