FROM picking up a mountain of Team GB kit to getting stopped in public for an autograph, it’s already been a whirlwind ride for Atherton’s Grace Rowland – and that was before she even set foot in Baku for the inaugural European Games.

Back in April, Rowland received the news she had been eagerly awaiting as she was confirmed in Great Britain’s 160-plus strong squad for the first ever European Games as part of the Under-17 water polo squad.

Since then she has hardly had time to catch her breath, with three training camps across the country as well as the excitement of receiving her full kit in Birmingham last weekend.

The squad left for Baku on Monday ahead of the opening game of the tournament tomorrow.

And with anticipation building, former Tyldesley Water Polo Club member Rowland admits her new found fame has its advantages.

“The other day I was stopped by one of my friend’s granddad in Tesco’s who asked for my autograph which was cute,” she said, before setting off for the Games.

“I haven’t had to sign autographs before so it was really weird. Hopefully it’s the first of many going forwards.

“It’s all been a bit surreal to be a part of Team GB and then finally get my kit. There is so much of it to try on.

“My favourite piece is probably the opening ceremony top, it’s really smart.

“Baku is getting really close now, I can’t wait. We had a training camp at Crystal Palace during half term and then we had a match against Coventry in Loughborough straight after kitting out.

“It’s getting us well prepared as a team. The majority of us have been together for two years now so we know each other really well.”

Great Britain have been drawn in Group A alongside Greece, Netherlands, Hungary, Germany and Israel while Group B consists of Spain, Italy, Russia, Slovakia, France and Serbia.

The top three from each will progress to the knockout stages, but whatever the outcome, Rowland is adamant it’s only the beginning of her sporting journey.

“It’s just about fine tuning our preparations and making sure we’re in top form for our opening game,” she added.

“We have done so much training, our fitness levels are really high. We are hoping to come top 10 at least.

“Baku is just the start for me, I want to keep pushing on getting better, and getting the chance to represent Great Britain as many times as possible.”

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