Wakefield 12-year-old makes waves with England training squad call-up
A talented 12-year-old from Wakefield has been selected for Swim England's Artistic Swimming National Programme after a remarkable journey that began with her very first swimming lesson at just six weeks old.
Alana Hurst earned her place on the England pathway after delivering a gold medal-winning Maleficent-inspired solo routine at this year's National Age Group Championships in the 12 and under category, securing selection for the 2026 England Youth Training Squad and recognition as one of the country's most promising young artistic swimmers.
Alana trains for around 17 hours each week, rising to almost 25 hours ahead of competitions and attends England training camps in Bristol, where she trains alongside England coaches and some of the country's top artistic swimmers.
Alana first discovered her love of the water at Puddle Ducks, joining the swim school's Floaties classes at just six weeks old.
Years later, after completing the Swim Academy programme, she was ready for a new challenge and joined City of Leeds Artistic Swimming Club, where her talent and dedication have now earned her a place on England's national pathway.
Alana said: "I'm so happy to have been selected for the England Youth Training Squad. It's something I've worked really hard for and it makes me excited to see what I can achieve next.
"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 mum, Andrea, said: "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. We never imagined that one day she'd be selected for the England Youth Training Squad.
"Watching her perform her gold medal-winning routine and seeing all her hard work pay off was such a proud moment.”
Puddle Ducks new Swim Academy programme for children aged four to the end of Key Stage 2, gives swimmers opportunities to experience skills from a range of aquatic disciplines, including artistic swimming.
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