From the age of 3, Nick has loved the water, so it was only natural that he would take to professional swimming, well, like a duck to water.
Most recently Nick travelled to Tampere, Finland for the European Masters Games, which is a multi sport event involving 4,000 competitors across 14 days. His focus was on the pool swimming events and it clearly worked winning 4 Gold medals in the 400m, 800m freestyle, 200m backstroke & medley relay and 1 silver in the 100m Butterfly.
However, competing professionally, especially overseas can be expensive. Travel, accommodation and nutrition can really add up, so when Nick applied to our Elite Funding Scheme, we were only too happy to provide funding to help towards expenses.
What is the European Masters Games?
The European Masters Games (EMG) is a multi-sport event specifically designed for athletes who are over the age of 30. The games are held every four years and are organised by the International Masters Games Association (IMGA).
Participants in the EMG can compete in a wide range of sports, including but not limited to, track and field, swimming, cycling, basketball, football, tennis, golf and many others. The event encourages inclusivity and sportsmanship, celebrating the achievements and dedication of athletes who stay active and pursue their passion for sports throughout their lives.
How did you get into Swimming?
Both my parents didn’t learn until adulthood and so were really keen that I learn early. So, I swam from the age of 3 and progressed through the age group ranks at national level until I went to university. Then after a 10-year break I started masters’ competitions when I joined the civil service.
When did you first find that passion for swimming?
I Just loved being in the water from as early as I can remember. I have tried a plethora of other sports but always go back to the pool.
What is it about swimming you enjoy the most?
The training, the challenge and camaraderie that you get with clubmates and even rivals. I have been lucky enough to train and race all over the world, so travel has been a big positive too!
What’s it like competing internationally representing your country?
I’m very process driven so don’t really reflect on the achievement. Having said that, getting GB kit is always special and the opportunity to visit places I would have never otherwise gone to is unbeatable, albeit I’m sat around a pool most of the time.
What drives you to succeed and to keep training so hard?
Just the motivation of racing and the mental strength and challenge you need to push through a tough training block with an end goal in mind. I’m fortunate to have trained under some great coaches who have been a great help with goal setting and motivation.
How do you relax and unwind when you’re not competing or training?
I love spending time with friends, my wife and my 6 year old son who is already learning to swim and is also interested in other sports. We are big Newcastle United fans and try and get to as many games as we can.
Does swimming help in your everyday life such as gaining confidence, improving your health and wellbeing?
Absolutely. Physically, the sport uses most muscle groups in the body, it alleviates stress and provides low impact therapy for some injuries and conditions. Also, mentally it allows me to switch off for an hour or two and focus entirely on the training session or competition.
What, if any, special training, equipment, nutrition do you need to take part?
Nothing really for starters. I would always encourage both young and old, whether you’re a first timer or veteran heading back to the pool after a break, just go to your local pool and set off.
As you compete and grow in confidence there are training aids like kick boards, hand paddles, pull buoys, snorkel and fins (flippers) to aid technique. Nutrition side is just common sense in maintaining a healthy diet.
How has CSSC helped to support you?
The funding helped with my travel, accommodation, and registration fees for going to Finland. It allowed me to get there in sufficient time and race to my best. This is my best result in terms of medals at international swimming competitions.
I simply wouldn’t have achieved what I did without the support from the Elite Sponsorship Fund.
Follow in Nick’s footsteps
If you would like help in competing at the top of your sport, whether regionally, nationally, internationally, veteran, masters or Olympic standard, you could apply for funding to help.
Also, if you’re planning on taking on an extreme challenge, like climbing Everest or swimming the Channel, why not see if CSSC could help achieve your dreams.