Club Captains

I’m delighted to have been chosen as the female Club Captain.

I spent every Sunday for three months helping to coach Poussins as part of my Duke of Edinburgh Bronze award, and I loved it so much. I enjoyed assisting these younger swimmers in finding their love for swimming and I would like to keep inspiring them.

I may not be the fastest swimmer at the club, but I’ve worked hard to get where I am, and I am proud of that. Last season I moved through Cadets and into Juniors; and this season now I am in Elites, which takes perseverance and determination. I found it helpful to have people who believed in me and never let me give up when training was difficult.

I would like to be the person who “never lets people give up” to those in the club who may think that they can’t do it or just need a little bit of motivation.

As a final point, for those who don’t know me I am 6’1” so if you need someone to look up to in the club, I am always here!

Squad: Elites

Proudest swimming achievement: Going sub-30 on 50 Freestyle.

Do you have a highlight from last year? Finally getting under 1.05 on 100m Freestyle.

What does being Club Captain involve? Supporting all swimmers, no matter their age or ability.

What’s your ambition for BSSC this coming year? To place in the top three in Arena League and to move to the Premier Division.

Do you have any advice for younger members of the club? Keep going, your time will come.

Best quote/piece advice: You can do it, just don’t give up.

Favourite stroke/event: 50m Backstroke

Best thing about being a swimmer: The support and friends you gain from all different clubs and meets.

Best poolside snack: Haribo Tangfastics

Hat and goggle etiquette: Always keep your hat and goggles with you at meets in case you have to rush to your race and always carry a spare hat.

Hero: Freya Anderson – she trained for a long time before she got the times she wanted, which shows all hard work will pay off.

Best swim hack: Warm up by stretching your muscles before races so you don’t injure yourself.

Thank you for allowing me the privilege of continuing as your Club Captain for a second year!

This past year has been great for the club: I was given the opportunity to organise a Sponsored Relay with my fellow Club Captain, Freya Reilly, and you all helped to raise over £2000 which was amazing. We also did brilliantly in both the Peanuts league and Arena leagues and I’ve enjoyed cheering you on during Open Meets too. It really has been a pleasure!

After my first year as Club Captain I now know how much I can do as captain and how much I can help you, the swimmers. I will remain a cheer leader at the competitions cheering you on from the side lines (whether you like it or not!) and I already have a plan for another sponsored event. I also now have the pleasure to teach some of you as your coach, so I am able to help you progress even more than last year.

Squad: Elites

Proudest swimming achievement: Achieving qualification times for the 2023 National Winter Championships in 100m backstroke and 200m backstroke.

Do you have a highlight from last year? Organising a successful Sponsored Relay, raising over £2000 for the club.

What does being Club Captain involve? Being a good role model and being able to motivate and push other swimmers to be at their best.

What’s your ambition for BSSC this coming year? For BSSC to win Division 1 Arena League and gain promotion to the Premiership.

Do you have any advice for younger members of the club? Instead of setting yourself big goals, set yourself smaller goals that you can achieve to keep you motivated. E.g 0.5 sec off a pb rather than 5sec. Never give up in a race because you’ll kick yourself if you just miss a pb because if it!

Best quote/piece advice: Always try your best in training because you will be rewarded for your hard work.

Favourite stroke/event: 100m backstroke and 100m IM.

Best thing about being a swimmer: The feeling of having a community around you as there’s always someone around to talk to. Some of my best mates are swimmers at BSSC.

Best poolside snack: BBQ Graze, closely followed by jelly.

Hat and goggle etiquette: Goggles underneath one hat – it’s the only correct way!

Hero: Luke Greenbank because I feel he has motivated me to keep going because I know he plateaued and got faster at a later age.

Best swim hack: Never wear your competition trunks for warm -up, if you can help, it because it will cause extra wear and tear.