Craig, the youngest gold medal winner of the Paralympics when he clinched victory in the S7 400 metres freestyle event at the age of 15, and S14 world 200m freestyle record-holder Applegate will be making their way to Ponds Forge International Swimming Championships to join the nation's best 10-18 year-olds compete over a 25 metre short course.

The annual event consists of mulit-classification races where competitors from S1-S15 classifications race in the same event.

"I always enjoy these Championships," said Asperser's sufferer Applegate.

"I love Sheffield- it's one of my favourite pools, I get to meet up with all my friends and Team East coaches.

"My life hasn't changed too much since winning gold as I still have to do everything everyone else does".

The Championships welcomes swimmers from across the country and is aimed at giving young swimming talent an opportunity to compete acting as a springboard to international success.

To other disabled swimmers thinking about taking up the sport, Applegate added: "It's a very hard sport but you meet great people.

"I've been supported really well and competitions like these are fun".

London 2012 bronze medallist Hannah Russell of Great Britain will hoping to retain her title at this weekend's 2013 Nationwide Junior and Youth Swimming Championships

Meanwhile, London 2012 bronze medallist Hannah Russell will be looking to retain her 2012 title where her impressive performance had her breaking two world short course records in the 400m freestyle and the 100m backstroke.

The event marks the end of a six-year partnership with Nationwide and Disability Sports Event, which has been working on ensuring disabled people can compete at all levels, and a chance to spot future stars.

"Nationwide's support for this event has spanned many years and it has been a crucial part of our investment in communities," said Chad Rogerson, senior community strategy manager at Nationwide Building Society.

"We are extremely proud to be associated with the English Federation of Disability Sport and cannot fail to be impressed by what has been achieved throughout this long standing partnership.

"The success of last year is testament to the commitment of those who work tirelessly to drive inclusion, aspirations and achievement for this country's disabled athletes".

The two-day event begins tomorrow and ends at midday on Sunday (March 3) and is free for spectators.

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