Allen eyes medals in Leeds
The 17-year-old will compete in at least four events at the short-course competition in Leeds, ending one of the busiest periods of her career so far.
Last week, Allen swept to a silver medal and smashed her personal best in the 400m individual medley at the British Youth Championships in Sheffield.
Over the weekend, Allen represented her country at the British Tri-Nations meeting in London against Canada and Russia, winning the 200m individual medley, her premier event.
The teenager will travel to Leeds tomorrow for the start of the British Grand Prix, where she will campaign in the 400m and 200m medley event and the 200m and 100m breaststroke.
Allen will then head to America for a well-earned holiday before returning to the pool in September.
"I'll certainly be ready for my holiday," admitted Allen, who is trained by Vulcans head coach Fred Furniss.
"I've been quite happy with the way I've swam in the last week.
"I was quite surprised to break my PB in the 400m medley because I was quite tired after swimming in the 100m breaststroke and 100m freestyle earlier in the day.
"I then went to the Tri-Nations. I wasn't very happy with my time, but I won and that's what it was all the about.
"The pool wasn't the best, so I was just pleased to win."
Allen is aiming for a medal in Leeds as she reverts back to a 25m pool.
The Lincoln College student claimed silver at the FINA World Cup in Berlin – a short-course event – and is confident of a strong showing.
"My last 25m event was last year in Berlin, when I won a silver," she added.
"Obviously I do most of my training in a 25m pool in Lincoln so I should be strong. I'll be doing at least four events, maybe more, and hopefully I can make some finals and maybe get a medal."
Sophie Allen.
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