Athlete of the Year – Vote for Jessica-Jane Applegate

8 Sep 2015

Jessica-Jane Applegate began her year with one of the most exciting swims at the British Para-Swimming International Meet in Glasgow - one which saw her qualify her place on the team for the World Championships in July.

In the 200m Freestyle, she sliced a second off her personal best and secured the qualification time to ensure she had her place on the team at the World Championships.

The World Championships kicked off on 13th July at Tollcross International Swimming Centre in Glasgow and Jessica-Jane was entered into three events – the 200m Freestyle, the 200m IM and the 100m Backstroke.

She secured personal bests in all of her events and in the 200m Freestyle she took silver but she ended her competition on a high as she touched first in the 100m Backstroke to take the gold.

At the time she said: "I can’t believe what’s just happened – I’m not even a backstroker.

"It means everything to me. This year has been tough and I felt like nothing has been going my way.

"I knew that if I put everything into it, I might get on to the podium again but not with gold!

"After I was beaten on Monday, I said to my coach I just really want it so bad and I just put everything into that race."