Haynes hopes to emulate Tai at Commonwealth Games

Teenage para-swimmer Isabella Haynes is hoping to emulate the success of multiple para-swimming medal winner Alice Tai at this summer's Commonwealth Games.

Haynes swims with Bournemouth Swimming Club in Dorset, not far from where Tai started her journey in New Milton before going on to win Paralympic, World, European and Commonwealth medals.

Haynes will head to Glasgow later this month as part of the England para-swimming squad, competing in 100m breaststroke and backstroke.

"I remember when I was little, she (Tai) swam I think at Little Down, which is one of the places that I train," 17-year-old Haynes told BBC South Today.

"It was really inspiring because she is absolutely amazing and I definitely want to emulate what she's done in the sport.

"I think it's just about getting better at the end of the day and getting faster so yeah hopefully I can perform (at the games)."

Haynes was spotted by team England three years ago and has previously won the World School Games title in Brazil.

She grew up without the lower half of her right leg and uses a number of prosthetic legs for day-to-day life but swims without one.

The para-swimmer is hoping to impress in Scotland, and is planning on enjoying the overall experience, as well as the competition.

"It's really exciting and such a big event," she added.

"I'm most looking forward to putting on the kit to be honest, as well as also getting to know the team.

"There are a lot of experienced people on the team that have Paralympic medals and it's going to be really great to be in the same environment."

The Commonwealth Games start on 23 July, with the opening ceremony taking place at the OVO Hydro in Glasgow.