Lydia going all out for Paralympic dream
Albrighton para-dressage starlet Lydia Aucott insists she is determined to put herself on the map next year as she bids to realise her Paralympic dream.
Aucott has long been one to watch, having ridden for Great Britain at the two-star Bishop Burton International event this year already.
And the 17-year-old's talent was recognised in September after she was named on the para-equestrian dressage squad in the BEF Excel talent programme.
The programme seeks to identify, support and develop riders and horses that demonstrate talent and potential in the Olympic and Paralympic disciplines.
And while she knows Rio 2016 has come too soon, Harper Adams University student Aucott is dreaming big next year.
She said: "My 2015 season has been a positive one. I started the year by winning the restricted Championship for my grade.
"We carried on with a two-star international, which was my first two-star event, and we only went for the experience but we ended up doing quite well.
"We did the summer championships which was a good learning curve for me because it provided different challenges for me to face. Now we are having a rest before the beginning of next season.
"In the coming months I will be bringing my horse back from its summer break and we will get him fit before we build towards the summer qualifiers which start in February.
"I am currently in the gym four or five times a week so I can get stronger while he is on a break and then I will bring him back from his break into work slowly before we compete.
"Next year I want to qualify for a three-star international, which would be good, because that is the highest level I can compete at before the Paralympics. Hopefully, I will compete in that next year.
"The ultimate dream is to get to the Paralympics but I would like to continue to enjoy my sport and have fun, and compete at the highest level I can."
Aucott was speaking at the Jaguar Land Rover Academy of Sport workshop at Land Rover Ben Ainslie Racing in Portsmouth.
More than 20 of the country's brightest athletes attended on Tuesday, where they were offered education sessions on issues such as nutrition.
Interview techniques, and given mentoring by former Olympic cyclist Bryan Steel and ex-England rugby union player David Flatman.
Aucott added: "The workshop was really helpful as it provided us with information on issues such as nutrition and we also had the chance to speak to mentors.
"The mentoring really helped because it was about goal-setting and where I want to be in the future after the 2016 season.
"The Jaguar Land Rover Academy of Sport has been really helpful because it has helped me meet other athletes my age and given me access to professional athletes, who are able to share what they have done."
Lydia Aucott attended the Jaguar Land Rover Academy of Sport workshop, mentored by Land Rover Ambassador David Flatman and Sportsaid Patron Bryan Steel. For more information visit www.sportsaid.org.uk.