CHARMOUTH’S Lauren Harrison has been selected for the final round of the Olympic recruitment programme Girls4Gold.

Harrison, a sixth-form student at Colyton Grammar School, East Devon, took part in a number of training days as part of the application process, which tested her power, stamina and speed.

Girls4Gold is a nationwide search for fit, powerful, competitive female athletes who want to fulfil their Olympic ambitions as part of the Fe-male Canoe Sprint Programme and the Olympic Team.

It is a perfect opportunity for the girls who apply to develop potential and see if they have what it takes to compete with the elite at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.

Out of more than 1,000 applicants, Harrison was one of 120 girls selected to attend a more sport-specific phase two assessment in Nottingham.

“The girls we saw looked very athletic, they were focused and determined and excited about this opportunity,” said Harrison, who is about to turn 17.

“It has always been an ambition of mine to be in the Olympics and I really hope that I get through to the next round.

“It’s challenging but so enjoyable and worthwhile.”

She will hear in the next few weeks whether she has been successful.

Mark Hoile, GB’s Canoeing UK Talent lead coach, said: “Compared to past campaigns, I would say that the quality of athletes we saw were of a much higher calibre than we have seen before.”