COLCHESTER swimmer Laura Stephens wants to let her results speak for themselves at the British Championships.

The 19-year-old butterfly swimmer, who is now based at Plymouth Leander, is hoping to produce a solid performance as the run up to next year's Tokyo Olympics continues.

The best swimmers from across the UK will be competing at the British Championships, which get underway at the Tollcross International Pool in Glasgow today.

And Colchester Swimming Club member Stephens, who was in fine form at the National Winter Championships at the end of last year, is hoping to take another important step towards booking her place in the Team GB squad for the 2020 Olympics.

Stephens told the Gazette: "I’m feeling well prepared and confident headed into the British Championships.

"I’ve had a very solid couple months of training after Christmas since the success of the Winter Championships in December, so I’m looking forward to seeing where this hard work has got me.

"My main targets for the competition are to hit new personal best times in the 100m and 200m butterfly and hopefully medal in the 200m.

"As always though I like to stay focused on the process and how I’m going to swim the races, then let the results speak for themselves.

"This meet will be another important step forward for me in the bigger picture, towards my goals for the 2020 Olympics."

Stephens, from Wix, heads into the British Championships in good form.

The former Colchester County High School for Girls pupil shone at last month’s Edinburgh International Swim Meet, where she clocked a personal best in the 200m butterfly.

Colchester SC duo Ellie and Martha Duley will also be in action on the national stage at the British Championships, this week.

Martha will compete in the 50m backstroke and 100m freestyle, while Ellie will take part in the 50m and 100m butterfly, as well as the 50m freestyle.

The British Championships are the highlight of the national events calendar and attract the best swimmers from England, Wales and Scotland.

Last year, Adam Peaty secured a 50m and 100m breaststroke double, while Freya Anderson and Siobhan-Marie O’Connor landed women’s titles.