IN THE POOL - Swimming.Org

SWIMMING PROFILES: WOMEN
GEMMA ALMOND
Club: Swansea Performance
Coach: Billy Pye
Dob: 14/04/1993
Born: Shrewsbury
Trains: Swansea
Lives: Swansea
Occupation: Studying at Swansea
University
QUALIFIED EVENTS:
100m Freestyle, 400m Freestyle,100m Butterfly,
200m Individual Medley
ACHIEVEMENTS:
IPC European Championships 2011: S10 100Fr 4th,
S10 400Fr 4th, S10 100Fly 5th, SM10 200IM Bronze
IN THE POOL
How were the Paralympic trials for you? Better than I could
have imagined as I qualified and broke the British records in
the 200m Individual Medley and the 100m Butterfly. I had
been focusing on the 200m Individual Medley so much, so
to do a four second PB was not only a great feeling but also
a relief to see I had qualified and all the focus on one event
had paid off. Both records were in reach but I didn’t really
expect it and it was a shock to get them.
What are your goals for the London Paralympics? Ultimately
to PB in all my events, to make finals and swim the best that I
can whilst enjoying the experience.
What has been your finest performance so far and why?
I have two. Firstly winning the bronze medal at the IPC
European championships last year in the 200m Individual
Medley because it was my first major medal. Secondly,
qualifying for London 2012 this year at the London Aquatics
Centre in March as I achieved my dream and broke the
British record.
What is your favourite Event? 200m Individual Medley.
When was your international senior debut? IPC European
Championships in Berlin 2011.
Who is your toughest opponent? I don’t have just one; I
see every competitor as a tough opponent who I should
challenge myself against.
Best Venue? My favourite pool is the one in Berlin because I
have swam there three times and always done well.
OUT OF THE POOL
Do you have any Superstitions? No not really but I always
have to have my nails painted before I race.
Favourite way to relax? Just socialising with friends and
family, listening to music or sleeping!
Any hobbies away from the pool? I used to play two
instruments but don’t have as much time for anything away
from university outside of resting and training.
What’s the best thing you cook? I’ve learnt to cook most
things and my cooking skills have increased hugely since
being at university. I make sauces and most things from
scratch particularly spaghetti bolognese and stir fry.
Best concert you have been to? I’ve actually never really been
to one but there are a lot of people I want to see though.
Who would you most like to meet? J.K. Rowling.
What are your must watch TV programmes? I always
preferred films but some of my university flat mates got me
into the final season of One Tree Hill this year. I also enjoy
shows like Britain’s Got Talent.
What could you not live without Laptop or Mobile? Mobile!
Ideal holiday destination? Anywhere that has places to relax
but also a lot to see or do, somewhere cultured. Ideally in the
future, when I have the time or retire from swimming I want
to do a travelling holiday and visit everywhere!
Which five people would you want at your ultimate dinner
party? Michael Phelps, Bear Grylls, David Walliams, the
Queen and Lady Gaga.
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