Newcastle Olympic hopeful celebrates A-level success

Aug 20 2009 By Matt McKenzie

A TOP swimmer was hoping today that success in the classroom spurs her on to gold at the 2012 Olympics.

Rachel Haigh, a member of the GB swimming team, combined her studies with a demanding poolside training schedule.

The 18-year-old, from Jesmond in Newcastle, got three A-grade A-levels in biology, chemistry and maths while also representing Great Britain at butterfly and freestyle.

The teenager, who attended Central Newcastle High School for Girls, is now heading to Leeds University to study dentistry.

Rachel, who swims for City of Newcastle, is hopeful of making the Commonwealth Games team next year but also has her sights on London 2012.

``Im over the moon with my results," Rachel said.

``I thought I would get two As and a B, so to open up the results this morning and find I had three As is amazing.

``It has been hard trying to balance my studies with the training but I am happy with the results in both fields.

``The Olympics is three years away and you never know what can happen in that time.

``My next aim is to make the team for the Commonwealth Games in India. If I work hard, the Olympics is still in reach."

Meanwhile, fellow student Miwa Murai, 18, from Jesmond in Newcastle, was the schools top performing student with five As.

The teenager achieved top grades in biology, chemistry, maths, Spanish and Japanese and is heading to Kings College, London, to study medicine.

``It hasnt really sunk in yet and may take a bit of time," she said.

``I found out this morning that I had got into university to study medicine, so I am really happy."