IN THE POOL - Swimming.Org

SWIMMING PROFILES: MEN
JAMES O’SHEA
QUALIFIED EVENTS:
100m Breaststroke
ACHIEVEMENTS:
London 2012 International Debut
Club: Barnet Copthall
Coach: Rhys Gormley
Dob: 12/02/1978
Born: Newcastle
Trains: Barnet
Lives: Barnet
Occupation: Full time athlete.
IN THE POOL
How were the Paralympic trials for you? I struggled at the
London trials because the taper process didn’t agree with my
body and I became ill, so I was disappointed with my swims
there. However, the trials in Sheffield went really well. I went
out a bit too hard in the heats though. Maybe I focused too
much on my time rather than my technique. I got it right in
the final though with a 1.5 second PB. I was delighted to
have the qualifying time.
What are your goals for the London Paralympics? You are in
it to win it. I would love to win a medal.
What has been your finest performance so far and why?
Probably a swim in training after the trials this year. I clocked
43 seconds in the training pool without a dive in the 50m
Breaststroke. It taught me so much about over trying it.
Technique is so important.
What is your favourite Event? The 100m Breaststroke as it is
the event I have qualified in for the Paralympics.
When was your international senior debut? My first
international event was at the Berlin Open in June 2012.
The Paralympics will be my first main event though. I live in
London and my goal was always to make the team.
Who is your toughest opponent? World champion Pedro
Rangel (MEX).
Best Venue? The London Aquatics Centre is amazing and I
cannot wait to see what it is going to be like for the Games.
OUT OF THE POOL
Do you have any Superstitions? No.
Favourite way to relax? I like to watch television and listen to
music. I also enjoy Tai Chi and Chi Gong.
Any hobbies away from the pool? I am trying to write a
book at the moment. Something similar to the style of
Terry Pratchett.
What’s the best thing you cook? I don’t do a great deal of
cooking because I enjoy raw food as it is the law of nature. I
really like eating Durian.
Best concert you have been to? The Prodigy at Brixton
Academy back in the 90s. It was amazing.
Who would you most like to meet? I like meeting interesting
people, no one in particular though. I really like meeting
people from different cultures.
What are your must watch TV programs? I watch a lot of
sport and history documentaries. I studied history and politics
so I always like to keep up to date with everything.
What could you not live without Laptop or Mobile? Laptop.
Ideal holiday destination? I think I would like to go to Brazil.
I have been to South America before but not there. I have
actually been to 42 countries around the world.
Which five people would you want at your ultimate dinner
party? I would have five of my closest friends from around
the world.
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