KATHLEEN Dawson says she will "give it a fight" to try and win an Olympic medal having reached the 100m backstroke final

The former Great Sankey High School student produced another excellent swim to finish third in her semi-final in Tokyo in the early hours of this morning.

Ex-Warriors of Warrington swimmer Dawson clocked 58.56 in the semi – slightly faster than her heat time and the fifth-fastest of those that will line up in tomorrow's final.

The 23-year-old was pleased to have improved upon her time from the heats but acknowledged the quality of those standing between her and the podium

“It is very exciting," she said of her semi-final.

"It went well, I’m glad to have moved it on from last night [the heat].

"It’s my first 58 in a heat ever, so I’m pleased to have moved it on."

“It’s such a stacked event, I’m just glad to be a part of it.

"It’s such a fast field and I’m glad to be part of it at this point of history.

“I’m definitely going to give it a fight and try and get on that podium.

“The quality has really picked up this past year.”

Two American swimmers finished ahead of Dawson in the first of two semi-finals, with Regan Smith (57.86) taking the win ahead of Rhyan White (58.46).

She will also be joined in the final by the current world record holder and the defending world champion - Australia's Kaylee McKeown and Canadian Kylie Masse respectively

The final is currently scheduled for 2.51am UK time tomorrow morning.