A FORMER St Albans secondary school pupil has been selected to compete for Team GB in the London 2012 Olympic Games

The British Olympic Association (BOA) announced on Tuesday that Olivia Federici has been chosen as a member of the nine-strong synchronised swimming team representing Great Britain.

Olivia, whose maiden name was Allison, lived in the city for nine years and attended St Albans Girls’ School (STAGS) from Years 7 to 11.

The 22 year old, now based in Portsmouth, will compete with Jenna Randall in the duet event for their second consecutive Games, having finished 14th in Beijing four years ago.

The pair also achieved a personal best ranking of eighth at the 2011 World Championships in Shanghai.

Olivia said: “I feel privileged to be part of Team GB and the synchronised swimming team that will go to the Olympics and compete in front of the home crowd.

“Being selected for the squad is proof that all those early mornings, very long hours in the pool, and pushing through those painful training moments are all worth it.

“Now I am looking forward to the last stages of preparation before finally competing and doing an amazing performance at London 2012.”

Olivia’s form teacher at STAGS, Helen Fowler, said she was thrilled with her selection.

She said: “I remember her very well and all the support and encouragement her mother gave her during her long years of training. It’s so nice to hear that such a hard working and pleasant individual should gain national recognition for her hard work.”

Team GB Chef de Mission Andy Hunt said: “The synchronised swimmers train incredibly hard and, under the expert guidance of Biz Price, have demonstrated consistent progress over the last four years.

“This group of athletes have recorded some impressive results in both the duet and team events recently and I am sure they will grasp the opportunity offered by the London 2012 Games with both hands and demonstrate their presence at the top table of the sport with their performances.”

National performance director Biz Price has overseen their progression over the past Olympic cycle and is adamant the squad will continue to improve after the Games.

She said: “The nine athletes have worked really hard towards qualifying for the home Olympics and I know that this is an opportunity they will value and learn from.

“Jenna and Olivia will be competing at their second consecutive Olympics and their experience has helped the rest of the team deal with competing at high level international competitions.

“The duet have improved their world ranking since Beijing and I am confident that they will put in a competitive performance in London.”