Wakefield girl, 12, selected for England youth training squad after stunning gold medal win
She dedicates around 17 hours a week to training
A 12-year-old artistic swimmer from Wakefield has been selected for Swim England's National Programme, marking a significant milestone in her career that began with lessons at just six weeks old.
Alana Hurst has secured a place on the England pathway following her gold medal-winning performance at the National Age Group Championships.
Her Maleficent-inspired solo routine in the 12 and under category earned her a spot in the 2026 England Youth Training Squad, recognising her as one of the nation's most promising young artistic swimmers.
Alana dedicates approximately 17 hours a week to training, increasing to nearly 25 hours in the lead-up to competitions. She regularly attends England training camps in Bristol, where she trains with national coaches and elite artistic swimmers.
Her journey in the water started at Puddle Ducks, where she joined the Floaties classes at only six weeks old. After progressing through the Swim Academy programme, Alana transitioned to City of Leeds Artistic Swimming Club.
It was here that her talent and commitment led to her selection for the national programme.
"I'm so happy to have been selected for the England Youth Training Squad," Alana stated. "It's something I've worked really hard for and it makes me excited to see what I can achieve next."
She added: "My dream is to compete internationally one day, so this feels like a really important step. I'd tell other children to keep trying different things because you never know what you'll end up loving. I found the sport that's right for me, and I can't wait to see where it takes me."
Her mother, Andrea, reflected on Alana's early start.
"When we took Alana to her very first Puddle Ducks lesson at just six weeks old, we simply wanted her to feel happy and confident in the water," she said.
"We never imagined that one day she'd be selected for the England Youth Training Squad." Andrea continued, "Watching her perform her gold medal-winning routine and seeing all her hard work pay off was such a proud moment.”