IN THE POOL - Swimming.Org

SWIMMING PROFILES: WOMEN
NATALIE JONES
Club: Manchester HPC
Coach: Mick Massey
Dob: 31/10/1984
Born: Colchester
Trains: Manchester
Lives: Chorley
Occupation: Full time athlete
QUALIFIED EVENTS:
50m Freestyle, 100m Freestyle, 400m Freestyle,
50m Butterfly, 200m Individual Medley
ACHIEVEMENTS:
IPC European Championships 2011: S6 50Fr 4th,
S6 100Fr Bronze, S6 400Fr Bronze, S6 50Fly 5th,
SM6 200IM Silver
IPC World Championships 2010: S6 50Fr Bronze, S6 100Fr 6th,
S6 400Fr Bronze, SM6 200IM Bronze, 34Pt 4x100FR Bronze
IPC European Championships 2009: S6 50Fr Silver,
S6 100Fr Silver, S6 400Fr Silver, SM6 200IM Silver
Paralympic Games 2008: S6 50Fr Bronze, S6 100Fr 5th,
S6 50Fly 11th, SM6 200IM Bronze
IPC World Championships 2006: S6 50Fr 6th, S6 100Fr Silver,
S6 100Ba 4th, SM6 200IM Gold, 20pt 4x50FR Gold
Paralympic Games 2004: S6 50Fr 5th, S6 100Ba 5th,
SB6 100Br 5th, S6 50Fly 10th, SM6 200IM Gold, 20pt 4x50MR Gold
Paralympic Games 2000: S6 50Fr 12th, S6 100Fr 14th,
SB6 100Br 10th, 20pt 4x50FR 6th
IN THE POOL
How were the Paralympic trials for you? I am so happy that
I have qualified for London 2012, but not so happy with my
times as I didn’t get any personal bests. There was quite a lot
of pressure at the trials so I am glad to have got through it so
I can now focus on the Paralympics.
What are your goals for the London Paralympics? To get
on the podium and win a medal in the third Paralympics in
a row.
What has been your finest performance so far and why?
Beijing in the 200m Individual Medley. I came third and was
gutted at the time. I couldn’t actually watch the race for
about three weeks. I turned after the Fly and could feel my
hat coming off during the Backstroke. It came off and then
my hair bobble came off. I don’t know how I came back to
win a medal on the freestyle length.
What is your favourite Event? I think I enjoy the 400m
Freestyle the most as there is no pressure on me.
When was your international senior debut? Sydney
Paralympics in 2000.
Who is your toughest opponent? Ellie Simmonds is so
quick. It makes it more interesting having great strength in
Great Britain.
Best Venue? The pool used at the Sydney Paralympics. I was
only 15. I didn’t really appreciate it at the time, I was
so young.
OUT OF THE POOL
Do you have any Superstitions? No, I am quite easy going.
What happens, happens.
Favourite way to relax? I like watching television and
reading. I enjoy sleeping too.
Any hobbies away from the pool? Going to visit friends and
watching football when I can. I am a Chelsea fan.
What’s the best thing you cook? I can’t to be honest.
Although Lasagne and Fajitas would be my best. My husband
does the cooking.
Best concert you have been to? Any of the five Take That
concerts that I have been to.
Who would you most like to meet? Michael Jackson.
What are your must watch TV programs? I like Grey’s
Anatomy and Glee.
What could you not live without Laptop or Mobile? My
mobile.
Ideal holiday destination? Somewhere sitting on a beach
doing nothing listening to the sea. Maybe either the Maldives
or Mauritius.
Which five people would you want at your ultimate dinner
party? I think I would just invite two my best friends as I
don’t get to see them very often and then my family.
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