Dearing co-founded the Black Swimming Association with Seren Jones for greater awareness of water safety education in African, Caribbean and Asian communities, who are less likely to learn to swim.

This organisation was this month named the 2022 National Lottery UK Project of the Year, beating 1,300 other organisations to the prize.

Dearing also claimed the Changemaker Award at the Sunday Times Sportswomen of the Year Awards for her advocacy.

The 23-year-odl from Birmingham was also recognised by the Sports Journalists' Association who presented the swimmer with the "Sky Kick it Out" accolade.

At the re-arranged 2020 Olympics in Tokyo, Dearing became the first black British female swimmer at the Games, finishing 19th in the women's 10-kilometres open water race, but now she is hungry for more.

"I was obviously very disappointed in myself and my performance," said Dearing.

"I'm an athlete, a competitor and that side is always going to be there, but it was incredible to help be a part of history and hopefully help showcase that this is for everybody.

"I've had a very positive journey through swimming. 

"I want to make sure that other children coming up have those same experiences."

Dearing's appearance in the Japanese capital has given her an appetite for a further taste of the big time.

"Tokyo was amazing though; I think about it every day and I’m so driven for Paris," she said.

"Hopefully, I can get a second chance and right my wrongs. 

"I want to prove to myself that I deserve to be there. 

"Obviously, I deserved to be there because I qualified but I was just so disappointed with my performance - I want to right that wrong."

With no open water event at this year's  Commonwealth Games, Dearing attempted to qualify for Birmingham 2022 in the indoor events, but could not make the team following the British Championships.