SUZANNE Warren competed in her final gala before the British Paralympic trials, in Glasgow.

The Holland-on-Sea swimmer was in action at the Easter Meet, in Norwich, and managed another British record.

This event was a three-day marathon of swimming, with able-bodied swimmers trying desperately to increase their rankings and gain qualification for the British Summer Championships.

That meant it was a high-pressure gala – and it showed.

However, Warren rose to the occasion to clock a new British record of two minutes and 14.16 seconds in the 100 metres backstroke.

“This race was my most important and the real challenge, as I added the pressure of setting a British record to see how my body would react,” she said.

“At one point, while preparing, I had my music on full volume and couldn’t hear anything through the headphones at all.

“With the help of my mum, I took to the water and the rest is now history as I managed another British record, under intense stress.

“My time of 2m 14.16s knocked out Danielle Bailey’s 3m 9s which has stood for the last few years.”

Warren’s first race had been the 50m freestyle and she managed a personal best (PB) for the season and a time faster than any other 50m long-course freestyle since the National Championships in December.

The third and final race of the day was the 50m butterfly - Warren’s strongest event - and her PB time is now less than three seconds away from the world record.

She really wanted to edge towards that goal.

“Again, I swam a PB for the season and with a new technique that I only learnt in the days leading up to the event,” she said.

“I was just pleased to have a reasonable swim and then know what I have to do to achieve my goals for the future.

“Overall, this was my final gala before the British Paralympic trials.

“But perhaps more importantly, it was my final opportunity to convince my consultant that I’m back and strong enough to train a full programme."

“I need this to be the case, in order to give myself the chance to train at the intensity required in the final weeks leading up to the International Para-swimming Championships, which will also act as my one and only opportunity to impress the GB coaches and make the team for Rio, which will consist of just 25 swimmers.”

Warren is still hoping to book her place on the flight to Rio.

However, she is also realistic about her chances.

“I hit PB times, but having only just received medical clearance to train full with two weeks to go, I may have to accept that this is a learning curve year,” she said.

“Being realistic, Tokyo 2020 may well be my best chance at making a Paralympic team.”