Mount Kelly swimmer Erin Little to receive Sir John Hanson Young Talent Scholarship

Erin Little has been named by Commonwealth Games England as one of five talented youngsters set to receive the Sir John Hanson Young Talent Scholarship.

The Mount Kelly swimmer has been listed alongside Alicia Maude (rugby sevens), Ethan Hussey (athletics), Charlie McIntyre (wheelchair basketball) and Nadeem Dalvi (badminton).

The scholarship, following its re-launch earlier this year, is designed to help athletes both financially and through a dedicated programme of support.

It aims to offer young athletes an opportunity to progress through to the Team England selections throughout the coming years and boost their chances of competing at the next Commonwealth Games.

Little has already enjoyed some success in Team England colours after competing at the Trinbago Commonwealth Youth Games in August.

The 18-year-old claimed one individual medal with silver in the Women’s 200m Freestyle and played an important role in three impressive relay teams.

She swam in the finals of both the Mixed 4x100m Freestyle Relay and the Mixed 4x200m Freestyle Relay which saw Team England win gold and silver medals respectively.

And Little was part of the quartet to swim in the heats of the Mixed 4x100m Medley Relay which later led to another gold for the team.

Incredible opportunity

On being selected to receive the Hanson Scholarship Fund, the youngster explained that it would help her to ‘develop even further’.

Little said: “I feel grateful, proud and privileged to have been selected to be part of the John Hanson programme.

“The belief shown in me for my selection onto the programme will enhance my performance, drive and continued passion for the sport.

“It is an incredible opportunity that will keep me focused on future selection and enable me to develop my swimming career even further.

“The programme and financial assistance will also give me the chance to pursue opportunities that will enable me to perform at my optimum. These will include training camps, sports massages and attendance at high level meets.”

Team England CEO, Mark Osikoya, added: “We are so grateful to be able to provide five athletes with this scholarship.

“This scholarship will help to support these young athletes on their journey to a successful future in sport.

“We look forward to seeing these athletes join the immense level of English talent that has come before them as they embark on their future endeavours.”