Ellie Challis is only looking at the positives ahead of Paris 2024 after a rollercoaster season in the pool.

The Clacton-on-Sea native became Great Britain's youngest-ever Paralympic medallist at Tokyo 2020, winning S3 silver in the 50m backstroke at just 17-years-old.

Three years later and she has since stormed to three world and one European title and a couple of world records.

And despite a difficult few months in and out of the pool, with surgery in November meaning that she was forced to adapt her swimming ahead of Paris, Challis is confident enough to back herself for a couple more podium appearances at her second Games.

"My hopes are for personal bests," said Challis, is one of over 1,000 elite athletes on UK Sport’s National Lottery-funded World Class Programme, allowing them to train full time, have access to the world’s best coaches and benefit from pioneering medical support – which has been vital on their pathway to the Paris 2024 Games.

"I've not had the smoothest season, but I've managed to put myself in a good position going into the Games.

"A lot of unexpected has happened this season that was out of my control.

"I had surgery in November, and I can't thank my surgeons enough for everything they did for me.

"My body has changed from the surgery and my legs don't have as much use anymore, so I've sort of had to learn how to do things again and change a couple of things.

"It's still been a fun season, and I've enjoyed it, so I try not to talk about the negative stuff too much.

"A medal and a gold in the 50m back are the big dreams and I still definitely have a chance for that this year, so I just need to go in and see what happens. I'm in a good position to race and whatever is thrown at me we will see."

With her only Paralympic experience stemming from the 'Covid-Games' of Tokyo 2020, Challis won her maiden Paralympic medal in front of a stadium of zero spectators.

It was a blessing in disguise for the then teenager who did not feel put off by the lack of crowds having had little international experience in the lead up.

Challis will now dive into La Defense Arena in front of a possible 17,000 people in Paris, the largest crowd she has ever competed in front of.

But Challis believes that she will only thrive under the pressure, with three years of being on top of the swimming world preparing her the biggest test of her career.

"In Tokyo it really benefitted me being quite inexperienced because I didn't know what to expect," she said.

"People found it quite challenging not having crowds, but I didn't know the difference.

"I think I'm going to thrive with the crowd in Paris now, especially going into finals when you need that extra bit. I'm really looking forward to it.

"I enjoy the pressure of having to perform for a certain moment and swim really well under it so I'm excited to be in this position.

"I've had an amazing three years since Tokyo and things have got better and better so let's hope they continue."

National Lottery players raise more than £30million a week for Good Causes including vital funding into sport – from grassroots to elite. To find out more visit: www.lotterygoodcauses.org.uk