SCOTTISH national champion Beth Johnston believes she is in prime shape to put in some personal-best performances at next week’s 2015 Sainsbury’s School Games in Manchester.

The Galashiels swimmer, who suffers from Poland’s Syndrome which leaves her with no pectoral muscle on her right side and one arm shorter than the other, will be representing Scotland South and East one year one from achieving three personal bests at the same competition.

The Sainsbury’s 2015 School Games is a multi-sport event for the UK’s elite young athletes of school age that will take place from September 3-6 in Manchester.

Johnston also happens to be close friends with the youngest ever Commonwealth Games medallist Erraid Davies who won a bronze medal at the age of 13 in the 100m breaststroke final.

And the BEST club swimmer admits she hopes to replicate her success one day.

“Erraid and I are very close. We don't see each other often but that doesn't make a difference. We understand and respect each other,” she said.

“She's shy and so am I but not when we are together. At last year's School Games people wanted to have their photo taken with her, it was so weird because she's just my friend and I have lots of selfies with her.

“I am really excited for the Games and very proud to be representing Scotland. I hope to produce some really strong swims and get good personal best times.

“I've had a great season and feel strong. I've started training with a strength and conditioning coach and feel his input has really helped my body position and strength in the water.” Johnston has proven that she is not afraid of any challenges as she regularly competes against able-bodied athletes at all local and east district regional galas.

The 13-year-old also met Ross Murdoch just after he won gold at the 2014 Commonwealth Games – the sporting event that inspired her the most – and she admits the chance to represent para-swimming is something she relishes.

“My coach has to try different techniques so that my balance in the water is correct, my strength on my right side is clearly less and I can't 'catch' the water as well with my 'small' hand,” she added.

“My coaches are great and I pose an interesting challenge for them. Backstroke turns are difficult, if I come to the wall on my short arm there’s no room for my legs to tumble turn.

“Para athletes and mainstream athletes have the same events, the same attention and audience and we can really show that para sport is as much an elite sport at this level as mainstream.” The Sainsbury's 2015 School Games, which is supported by National Lottery funding from Sport England and delivered by the Youth Sport Trust, takes place in Manchester from 3-6 September 2015. Visit www.2015schoolgames.com for more information.