Sophie Maguire, 18, of Mid Sussex Marlins swimming club, took part in the Nice Golden tour meet in France after being selected for the England junior team last July.
The A Level student’s performances last year at the British Swimming summer championships saw her set county and regional records as well as bringing home a silver and bronze medal from the championships.
Sophie, who studies and boards at Hurst college, travelled with 19 other English Junior swimmers to the meet to gain experience as part of an national team racing on the international stage, and competed in the 50m, 100m and 200m backstroke as well as the 50m butterfly event.
She said: “Being selected for the England team was a huge honour and also a great learning experience for me.
“The trip was focused on gaining valuable early long course season racing experience and also working to achieve individual process goals.
“I was able to draw on expertise from a wide variety of professional support staff which allowed me to grow in confidence and has helped prepare me if there are future international opportunities!
“Overall the trip was absolutely amazing, highlighted by getting to race alongside Olympic Medallists Katinka Hosszu (Hungary) and Kathleen Baker (USA)!
“I now can’t wait to get back to training with Mid Sussex Marlins feeling more determined than ever.”
Sophie will move on to Dubai to train and race at the Middle East open meet before returning to club training in preparation for the British Championships in April.