‘Aim for the stars, if you fall short you’ll still reach the
moon’
Sport
Swimming
Quote
‘Aim for the stars, if you fall short you’ll still reach the
moon’
Biography
I looked up to my older brother. He started swimming at the
local swimming club, so I followed him. I moved from Belper to a
larger club, City of Derby.
At the age of 18 I moved to the University of Bath to work with
Ian Turner the GB head coach. Ian moved to Loughborough so I
followed him there. My training has now increased from 6 hours a
week to 25 hours a week. Performances have improved with the
increase in training load! I’m currently training at Loughborough
ITC under Ben Titley.
I made my first international debut at 19 years of age,
competing in the Barcelona World Championships (2003) and hope to
go on a compete at the London 2012 Olympics.
Who is your role model?
Roger Federer
Who was your biggest influence?
Mum and Dad. Showed me how far I could go and supported me to
get there
What is your proudest moment?
Winning two Commonwealth gold medals and a silver medal in
2006.
Olympics 2004, 4th place in the 4x 200 relay.
What is your top tip for young people wanting to participate in
sport?
Believe in yourself
What is your favourite food?
Chicken, pasta and pesto with cheese
What is the best piece of advice you have been given?
Believe in your ability. Show off in your performance not out of
the pool
Achievements
2003 - World Championships – 6th, 4 x 200 freestyle relay
2003 - World Student Games – 1st, 4 x 100 freestyle relay, 3rd,
200 freestyle
2004 – Olympic Games – 4th, 4 x 200 freestyle relay
2005 – European Short Course- 3rd 200 freestyle
2005 – World Student Games – 2nd 4 x 100 freestyle relay, 2nd ,
200 freestyle
2006 – Commonwealth Games – 1st, 200 freestyle, 1st 4x200 relay,
2nd 4x100 medley relay
2006 - European Championship – 2nd 4 x 200 free relay
2007- World Championships- 4th 4x200 free relay
2008- Olympic Games 10th 200 free, 6th 4x200 free relay
2009- World Championship- 7th 4x200 free relay
2010- European Championship – 4th 4 x 200 free relay
Outline of experience working with young people
A member of swim clinics delivering to a wide range of ages and
abilities. Also attended and took part in a world hooping record.
Over 10,000 children from all over the UK hooped for 2 minutes none
stop. One of which was me!!
Professional coaching qualifications
Currently under take my level 2 swimming teaching
Coaching and teaching experience
Number of swim clinics (master classes) Running them either on
my own or with other coaches. I’ve worked on sessions with the
Derbyshire Dwarf Association working with Eleanor Simmonds before
the 2008 Paralympics