Teenager Ajulu-Bushell oozing class ahead of first season under British flag

From Chris Cottrell, Sportsbeat, in Sheffield

FEW people react to victory with a shake of the head but after winning the 50m breaststroke title at the British Gas Swimming Championships, teenager Achieng Ajulu-Bushell couldn't help herself.

MAKING WAVES: Achieng Ajulu-Bushell impresses to win the 50m breaststroke in Sheffield but has her sights set on the 100m crown (Getty Images / British Gas Swimming Championships)

The Plymouth-based swimmer had just lifted her first senior title and done it in some style, winning by 0.75 seconds from Stephanie Slater and Lowri Tynan in a race that only took just over half a minute to compete.

But Ajulu-Bushell's immediate reaction to her time of 31.18 - 0.45 down on her personal best - was a fitting representation of a youngster who doesn't know the meaning of settling for silver.

The Manchester-born teenager shot to prominence as a 15-year old representing Kenya at the World Championships in Rome last summer but has since switched allegiance back to England and Great Britain.

And while her performance must have had the members of the British medley relay team relishing the prospect of her fitting into their quartet in time for London 2012, Ajulu-Bushell insists her only focus right now is qualifying for October's Commonwealth Games in Delhi.

"My sole focus for this competition is the Commonwealth Games," said Ajulu-Bushell, who will automatically qualify for the England squad with victory in the 100m breaststroke on Friday.

"I'm just concentrating on getting the times and making the team.

"That's going to be the big event for me this year and I'm desperate to make it.

"The 100m breaststroke will be the main focus now this week. That's the event I can qualify in so that's the one I'm really building towards.

"I don't know how the Kenyan team will react with me being there though! We'll have to see."

Born to a Kenyan father and English mother, Ajulu-Bushell moved to Africa at a young age before returning in 2007 and joining Plymouth College.

And while she has a fair way to go to match classmate and world 10m platform diving champion Tom Daley, the teenager's performance in the 50m suggests she won't be far away from gold in the 100m.

Defending champion Kate Haywood will be Ajulu-Bushell's main rival but with 19 female swimmers spots available for the English team in Delhi, second place could still earn the youngster selection.

But only gold will do for Ajulu-Bushell and, judging by her reaction to her 50m win, she'll be desperate for a personal best as well.

"I do have high standards - I'm always hoping to go that little bit faster," said Ajulu-Bushell.

"I believe in myself and what I can do. I think it's good to have confidence in your own ability.

"My targets are always just to do my best and keep improving. That's why I wasn't too pleased with my time in the 50m.

"I wanted to go faster than in the semi finals but never mind. This week is quite a big deal as well with the change of my nationality. Still, the main thing is to have fun I guess."

FOLLOW ALL THE ACTION AS IT HAPPENS FROM DAY TWO OF THE BRITISH GAS SWIMMING CHAMPIONSHIPS

IN PICTURES: Day two from the British Gas Swimming Championships in Sheffield

The nation's leading energy supplier British Gas is the Principal Partner of British Swimming, and have pledged £15m to support the sport at all levels - from paddling pool to podium. For more information visit www.britishgas.co.uk/swimming