On the often-rocky path from junior to senior athlete, Erin Little is walking with ease.
The 20-year-old has made the leap from Commonwealth Youth Games to the real deal this summer, named as part of Team England's swimming and para swimming squad for Glasgow 2026.
A freestyle specialist, Little was part of the 4x100m freestyle quartet that won gold in the Trinbago 2023 Commonwealth Youth Games, one of four medals she clinched in the pool that week.
And with so much success at junior level, Little has perfectly managed the tricky transition to an elite athlete, now set for a senior Team England debut to remember in Scotland.
"To represent England at such a prestigious meet is a childhood goal fulfilled. I am excited and proud," she said.
"The Commonwealth Youth Games in Trinidad and Tobago was an amazing experience, not only the racing but also the team spirit and the opportunity to watch other sports too.
"That fired my determination to try to get selected for the Games in Glasgow. It has been a journey with injuries, setbacks, A-Levels and balancing a degree but swimming remains a strong passion of mine.
"To wear the flag of my country will fill me with a sense of immense pride."
A former Mount Kelly swimmer, Little now swims Stateside for Ohio State University, where she has collected accolade after accolade across her first two years studying.
Add a 2025 U23 European silver medal in the mixed 4x100m medley relay and success has continued to fly her way since a maiden outing in Team England colours.
With a return to the Commonwealth stage this summer, Little is now ready to relive her Trinbago 2023 memories in both her medal count and friendships.
"Winning medals in Trinbago definitely drove my ambition towards the Games this summer," she said.
"The team bonded so well and there was a real diversity of cultures joined together in their love of swimming.
"I was fortunate to make some friendships, and I am waiting to hear if they too will be representing their countries again.
"The whole England team did amazingly and I hope we can replicate the performances at the Commonwealth Games this summer.
"I am really excited to feel the buzz of the Games, to experience the atmosphere will be amazing."
Little is one of five young athletes supported by Commonwealth Games England's Sir John Hanson Young Talent Scholarship.
The scholarship is designed to support the next generation of English talent both financially and through a dedicated programme of support, including athlete workshops and mentoring to assist them in fulfilling their potential on the international stage.
It has been crucial for Little to manage her transition from junior to senior and with her selection for a maiden Commonwealth Games at Glasgow 2026 now official, she provides a first-hand showcase of its importance.
"Being supported by the Sir John Hanson Scholarship has been integral to my preparations," she said.
"One of the most important aspects has been the knowledge that they believe in you, they invest in you and provide practical and knowledgeable support.
"They travel along the journey with you and become part of your support system.
"Invaluable support with meet costs, hotels, suits and travel costs have without doubt helped me to be selected and I will always be grateful."
