Sarah Adlington, the local judo ace, hopes to make the most of her unexpected chance to shine after receiving a late call-up to the British squad for the senior European Championships in Portugal.
Adlington, of Bayston Hill, was originally named on the reserve list for the prestigious three-day event which gets under way in Lisbon tomorrow.
But the 21-year-old then discovered that Karina Bryant had withdrawn and that she had been picked as the replacement as she steps up her quest to clinch a dream appearance at the Olympics later this year.
“The European Championships is one of the hardest competitions of the season, even outside of an Olympic year,” said Terry Adlington, Sarah’s dad.
“The individual European Championships for seniors in 2008 is the last qualifying competition for the Olympic Games in Beijing so it’s provoking a worldwide interest.
“Sarah’s over the moon as she did not expect to get this until at least 2009.
“It is anticipated that the number of athletes participating will be over 450.”
The former Meole Brace School pupil flew out to Lisbon with the 12-strong British squad yesterday and she’s really looking forward to competing in her first major European event as a senior.