The 13-year-old can’t wait for her chance to mix it with the likes of Stephanie Rice and Leisel Jones at the NSW Open Swimming Championships.

“I’m really excited to see all of them and race against them,” she said. “I’ve got six events. It’s one of my smallest programs because it’s such a big meet.”

Harkin is contesting the 400m and 200m medley, the 200m and 100m breast stroke and the 400m and 100m freestyle.

As one of the youngest competitors taking to Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre for the meet, her aim is more to get a feel for competition at the top level than to win medals.

“I really just want to do my best,” she said.

“I’m not expecting to get into finals.

“I’m just looking to get my times.”

Of her events, Harkin has the highest hopes for the 200m breaststroke and the 400m medley.

Harkin races on all three days of the championships, with the program wrapping up on Sunday.

The Louth Park swimmer has just returned to a full program of training after a holiday.

In August last year, she earned a Junior Sportsperson of the Year nomination after she came back from the Swimming NSW State Age Short Course Championships with a five medal haul.