It’s been quite the year for Ben Proud, as the sprinter staked his claim as one of the worlds best, breaking two international records and bagging five major medals.
It all started on the Gold Coast in April as Ben rewrote the Commonwealth Games 50m Freestyle record not once, but twice, on his way to gold, adding a pair of silvers in the relays.
Fast forward four months and the 24 year old was at it again in Glasgow, breaking the textile world record en route to European 50m Freestyle gold, having already secured 50-metre Butterfly silver inside the Tollcross International Swimming Centre.
After a busy year the Plymouth Leander man is enjoying some well-earned down time, but what does a typical Christmas look like in the Proud household?
“Christmas is all about family time for me. We’ve just got a new home, having moved down to Plymouth, and it’s all ready for Christmas, so we’ll be spending it there with family and friends.
“Christmas lunch is the main thing I’m looking forward to though – that’s what Christmas is all about these days. My brother does all the cooking – he’s far better than me. It’ll either be turkey or goose with some gammon, stuffing, brussel sprouts and all the other trimmings.”
So, what’s on our world champions Christmas list?
“I’m actually hoping for a new hoover! A nice one, maybe a Dyson would be good, so I’m keeping my fingers crossed!”
Like most swimmers, Ben will take a little bit of time away from the pool over the festive season.
“I’ll probably have three days off over Christmas and then start building back up slowly, doing all the right things, as this is the time of year when people tend to get sick or injured. I’m back home for three weeks before heading to South Africa for a training camp to kick start the 2019 season.”
As for a New Year’s resolution….
“No more twitching on the blocks!”
“I learnt my lesson twice this year, so that’s a good one. But for 2019 I just want to keep improving; we’ve got a good thing in place right now so I just want to keep that going for the next 18 months. My New Year’s resolutions are always based around swimming and I just want to keep getting better.”
“Finally I’d like to wish everybody who has supported us over the last 12 months a very Merry Christmas.”