A PARALYMPIC star has her sights set on conquering the English Channel in a swim relay as part of a new project.

Poole-born swimmer Alice Tai MBE is seeking five people with varying degrees of swimming experience to take on an 18-hour swim challenge covering 21-miles in open water.

Partnering with nutrition brand Optimum Nutrition to launch the challenge – called Channel More – Alice has called on those interested in taking part to “discover their full potential”.

Trained by sports scientist and swim expert Professor Greg Whyte, the group will undergo a five-month transformation to become accomplished open-water swimmers ready to take on the English Channel.

Alice, who won Commonwealth gold in 2022 just six months after having her right leg amputated below the knee, said: “As someone who firmly believes in pushing oneself beyond perceived limits, I am convinced that anything is achievable with the right mindset, coaching and nutrition.

Bournemouth Echo: Poole paralympic swimmer Alice Tai MBE.Poole paralympic swimmer Alice Tai MBE. (Image: Optimum Nutrition)

“Fuelled and inspired by my team at Optimum Nutrition I have overcome personal obstacles to achieve success in the world of Paralympic swimming and I can’t wait to inspire and motivate our team to discover their full potential and unlock more in themselves too.”

Participants of the Channel More project will be put to the test in a demanding open water environment, requiring stamina, self-belief, teamwork, and camaraderie as they collectively battle the elements and the tide for up to 18 hours in 15 degrees Celsius water.

The swim will take place between September 20 and 28.

Applications for the project are open and will close on April 30. Interested participants must submit a 90-second video, explaining why they want to be a part the experience.

Visit optimumnutrition.com/en-gb/channelmore for more information about the project and how to apply.

Alice grew up in New Milton and began swimming at the age of eight when she joined the town’s Seagulls Swimming Club.

She has since gone on to win gold medals in swimming at the Paralympic Games, World Championships and European Championships. She was appointed MBE in 2017 for her services to swimming.