DUNFERMLINE swimmer Emma Russell says she’s “ecstatic” after being selected to compete for Great Britain at this summer’s European Junior Championships.

The 16-year-old, a pupil at Woodmill High School, is one of 30 competitors that have been selected by British Swimming to race at the five-day event to be held in Kazan, Russia, from July 3-7.

Emma, who swims for the Heart of Midlothian Swimming Club in Edinburgh, has enjoyed a fine year so far in the pool, which began by winning 200 metres freestyle gold, and 100m freestyle silver, at the Geneva International Challenge in January.

She followed that up by winning Scottish National Age Group Championship gold in both the 100m and 200m freestyle, a silver in the 50m butterfly, and bronze in the 4x100m medley relay and 4x200m freestyle, before starring at the recent British Swimming Championships.

Held at Glasgow’s Tollcross International Swimming Centre, she secured a pair of impressive third places in the junior 50m and 200m freestyle, as well as placing fifth in the women’s transition 100m freestyle.

Emma’s impressive performances saw hear earn a place in the British team for the European Championships and, speaking to Press Sport, she said: “I’m really excited.

“It was unexpected but to get selected, and to represent my country in a sport I love doing, is an amazing feeling. It’s in Russia as well, which is somewhere I’ve never been to, so I’m really looking forward to it.

“It feels surreal. They sent me an email, and then announced it on social media, but first I had morning training, so I was in a bit of suspense. Then my mum phoned and I was just ecstatic.

“It’s such a big event so I’m really pleased.”

Emma continued: “I’ve had a good long course season so far, which started in Geneva with Scotland by winning a gold and a silver in January, which was quite good.

“Going into the British Championships, I felt confident. It’s one of the biggest competitions in the season and I knew there was a chance I could make the junior team, but I was just thinking about my swims and trying to execute them, and I made some finals.

“So far, I’ve been really happy with my long course, especially in the 100m and 200m free.

“At the minute, it’s excitement that I feel and I’ve been given solid advice from other swimmers at my club who have been to the world juniors.

“It’s so exciting; it’s my first time representing GB, but the hard work starts now.”

Emma, pictured left with Olympic champion Adam Peaty, added: “It will be an experience.

“It will be my first meet at that high a level and I’m sure I’ll learn so much. I’m going to swim my best, and hopefully get to a final.”