SHEFFIELD swimming sensation Charlotte Bianchi has the world at her feet but insists she'll be taking it one competition at a time, writes Jonny Bray.  

The 16-year-old has been selected to receive funding from SportsAid’s Next Generation programme, supported by Aldi, which will make a massive difference as she plots a route to the top.

SportsAid supports over 1,000 young athletes each year by providing a financial award to help with training and competition costs while also delivering personal development opportunities to many athletes through workshop sessions.

Aldi are now working in partnership with SportsAid to support 20 young athletes on their journey to becoming future Olympians and Paralympians – including Bianchi – and helping them to eat like a champion.

The Sheffield High School student was among a group of 47 swimmers selected for the 2021-22 Swim England Junior Squad and has qualified for the 2022 European Junior Championships. 

And despite dreaming of one day competing at the Olympic Games, Bianchi is refusing to get ahead of herself.

"The Olympics is a goal, but I'm taking everything as one competition at a time," said Bianchi, speaking after filming a new TV advertising campaign for Aldi, who work with Team GB and ParalympicsGB on the Get Set to Eat Fresh programme, helping school children eat healthier and live an active lifestyle.

"I just want to swim well and swim fast at competitions that I get selected for, like the big major meets.  

“I've got the European Juniors in Bucharest, and then I have British Nationals in July. I would like to medal at nationals in my event." 

Each year, athletes are nominated to SportsAid by the national governing bodies of more than 60 sports based on set criteria.

The Aldi-supported athletes will be receiving a £2,000 award through SportsAid. Aldi will also support their 20 athletes with a £25 monthly voucher, to fuel them through training, competitions and to future Olympic and Paralympic Games.

And the City of Sheffield Swim Squad prospect was grateful to her parents for helping her get so far in the sport.  

Bianchi added: "My parents have really helped. They take me everywhere I need to go and fund me and stuff like that.  

"But then my coaches control everything that happens inside the world of swimming, so like they help me get to the level I need to be at in terms of skills and race plans and stuff like that.  

"I have one main coach, and then there are loads of support coaches.  

"But my parents do give up a lot of their time to make sure I can compete."  

Aldi is the Official Supermarket Partner of Team GB and ParalympicsGB and have partnered with Team GB since 2015, ParalympicsGB since 2022 and will be supporting them through to Paris 2024.