Favourite event: 800m Freestyle. Its my best event. I get a great feeling of achievement swimming the 800m, very satisfying.
Finest ever performance/Why: My two final performances at the Olympics in Beijing. To perform and achieve above your dreams at the pinnacle of your sport is every athletes aspiration. Both were different swims, one very much a “race” whereas the other turned out to be me pushing myself as hard as possible against the clock. The 800m swim was special as I broke the world record, however the gold in the 400m Freestyle was equally as enjoyable as it was my first.
First senior international meet: European Championships 2006
My aspirations are: To qualify for and be successful at the Commonwealth Games in Delhi in 2010, as I have never swam at a Commonwealth Games before, and then compete at a home Olympics in London.
Tip for the top: Enjoy it. If your heart is not in it you won’t swim well.
Life after swimming: I get one!
Music: Anything apart from heavy metal.
If I wasn’t a swimmer I would be a: Would probably be at university.
Football, Cricket or Rugby: No interest in either. I like watching Wimbledon, although don’t really follow tennis that much. I love major multi events like the Olympics and Commonwealth Games.
Describe yourself in three words: Opinionated / Bubbly / Dedicated
Would most like to meet: Ricky Gervais. I think he is hilarious, or Peter Kay, anyone funny.
Most prized possession: My Gold Medals and OBE
Biggest influence on career: Parents and my coach Bill Furness
