IN THE POOL - Swimming.Org

SWIMMING PROFILES: WOMEN
NATALIE MASSEY
Club: Manchester HPC
Coach: Mick Massey (father)
Dob: 23/02/1989
Born: Stockport
Trains: Manchester
Lives: Stockport
Occupation: Full time athlete. I do have
a part time job though at Marks and
Spencer
QUALIFIED EVENTS:
200m Freestyle, 100m Backstroke, 100m Breaststroke
ACHIEVEMENTS:
IPC European Championships 2011: S14 200Fr Silver,
S14 100Ba Bronze, SB14 100Br 4th
IPC World Championships 2010: S14 200Fr Bronze,
S14 100Ba 5th, SB14 100Br 6th
IPC European Championships 2009: S14 100Fr Gold,
SM14 200IM Silver
IN THE POOL
How were the Paralympic trials for you? The trials went
really well considering the previous five months leading up to
them. I had to have an operation on my ankle in September
2011 to remove part of a bone. After that I had severe whip
lash after a car accident and then just before trials I had
shingles so I was absolutely drained. So to have qualified and
be ranked third in the world is not that bad!
What are your goals for the London Paralympics? To win the
200m Freestyle, reach the podium in the 100m Backstroke
and get to the final in the 100m Breaststroke. I want to get a
personal best time in all of my events because at the end of
the day you can’t go any better than a PB.
What has been your finest performance so far and why? The
100m Backstroke at the INAS-FID World Championships in
Hong Kong where I got my first international medal. I won
bronze and was only 13. Also breaking a world record for the
first time in Sheffield I remember thinking after the race that I
was now the fastest in the world! It felt amazing.
What is your favourite Event? The 400m Freestyle.
When was your international senior debut? The World
Championships in Hong Kong in 2003.
Who is your toughest opponent? Myself because I’m a
tough cookie.
Best Venue? The pool in Sheffield as I feel at home. I like the
Berlin pool too as I swim fast there.
OUT OF THE POOL
Do you have any Superstitions? I have a routine of doing
everything four times before a race. Swinging my arms,
jumping up and down and rubbing my block four times. I
also wear my Union Jack socks on the day I race Freestyle.
Favourite way to relax? Walking my dog Molly, listening to
music or chilling with friends.
Any hobbies away from the pool? I collect pin badges from
lots of sports, mainly swimming. My collection started from
the Sydney Olympics in 2000 and I add to my collection at
each meet I go to.
What’s the best thing you cook? Shepherd’s pie made with
baked beans. I cook it for my training partners sometimes
and they love it. Whenever I have been away I always look
forward to having it when I get home.
Best concert you have been to? I have been to the X Factor
which was great and also I enjoyed the shows Grease and
We Will Rock You. I would have loved to have seen Westlife
but I couldn’t as was away training.
Who would you most like to meet? Either Chad Michael
Murray, Enrique Iglesias or Westlife.
What are your must watch TV programmes? I like the soaps
such as Emmerdale and Coronation Street.
Ideal holiday destination? My dream holiday would be to go
to Australia.
Which five people would you want at your ultimate dinner
party? My training partner Daniel Pepper, best friend Jenny,
Donkey from Shrek, Peter Kay and Enrique Iglesias.
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