THEYDON Bois swimmer Emma Hollis agonisingly missed out on a medal at her debut BT Paralympic World Cup in Manchester.

The 18-year-old European silver medallist finished fourth in both of her races, touching home 1.53 seconds behind USA’s triple-Paralympic silver medallist Amanda Everlove in the 100m backstroke and just 0.53 behind the American in the 50m freestyle.

But while Hollis found herself upstaged by Everlove she was delighted to have racked up personal best times in both races.

And the Epping Forest District Swimming Club swimmer admitted her speed came as a complete surprise after enduring a sleepless night with nerves.

“Both races were really quick,” said Hollis. “It was a personal best by a couple of seconds in the backstroke which is really great for me. I haven’t been at personal best pace for quite a long time now so it’s been really great to just get back into it.

“I felt myself easing off a little bit but all I could hear was ‘go, go, go’.

“I came fourth which is a bit annoying but I didn’t expect to get anything to be honest so I’m not disappointed at all.”

While the majority of the British squad now prepare for August’s IPC World Swimming Championships in Eindhoven, Hollis returns to Essex for her A-levels at Chigwell School, having missed the cut for this year’s event.

But while she admits she will have her hands full with exams in Geography, English Literature and Religious Studies, the teenager insists her debut at the multi-sport event has left her eager to return to the international stage sooner rather than later.

“It was my first Paralympic World Cup and it was great,” said Hollis. “It’s an amazing feeling when you hear your name and have the crowd cheering for you.

“I’m not going to be competing again until the Nationals in August. So I’ve got a bit of a break now for my exams.

“But this was a really great way to finish before my exams.”

The BT Paralympic World Cup is the largest multi-sport annual elite disability competition in the world and over 300 athletes competed in Manchester from 25-31 May. The event is supported by Northwest Regional Development Agency and Manchester City Council. Go to www.btparalympicworldcup.com