THE Olympian achievements of a 16-year-old girl have been recognised by a north Durham council.
Nicola Jackson's swimming coach at Consett's Belle Vue sports complex, David McNulty, only decided to recommend that she participate at the Sydney Olympic Games to gain experience for future years.
But Nicola beat her personal best time in the 200 metres freestyle, and was a member of the 200m freestyle relay team that made the final, beating the British record.
Nicola was presented with a plaque at a Derwentside District Council meeting.
Mr McNulty was full of praise for his star pupil, who has travelled from Richmond, North Yorkshire, to Consett on most days since she was ten in order to train.
"You only get one like Nicola in a lifetime," he said
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