ESPRIT rhythmic gymnast Stephani Sherlock is hoping to put an injury-hit campaign behind her when she takes to the floor at the British Championships today.

The 19-year-old had a tough start to the year after injuring her foot but has since represented her country at two international Grand Prix.

Sherlock was also crowned English champion after winning five gold medals and earned a personal best score of 16,350 at the World Cup series in Kazan.

Now she is aiming to add the British crown to her collection and is confident that she can better her silver medals won in both the ball and hoop event in 2014.

“I am very excited for the British Championships,” she said ahead of the tournament in Liverpool.

“I feel positive and I can’t wait to go out there in the fantastic Echo arena and show what I have been working on.

“I really hope I can make the audience and the judges enjoy my routines as much as I do.

“My aim for this year’s championships is to give my best performance, to show my love and passion for my beautiful sport, to share my energy and joy and to make everyone watching happy and inspired.”

However, Sherlock will have to dislodge fellow Esprit team-mate Laura Halford, who has won the competition three times.

“I believe it is brilliant motivation for me and Laura,” added Sherlock, who is already looking past this weekend’s competition.

“We are good friends, and although we don’t see each other often, as Laura is now based in Wales.

“We just want to get the best result possible for our country.

“After the British Championships I will have an exciting time for making up new routines for the new Olympic cycle’s code.

“The next step is my big goal of competing and winning medals at the 2018 Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast, Australia as a part of team England and my ultimate dream is to represent Great Britain at the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo.”