COLCHESTER Phoenix's Ellie Challis struck gold at her first international meet, in Sheffield.

The British Para-Swimming International meet is one of the largest open para swimming competitions and attracted swimmers from all over the world.

Challis won the SB2 50 metres breaststroke, taking a British gold medal - despite competing against a Japanese swimmer 12 years her senior.

The 13-year-old lives in Little Clacton.