Claire Cashmore 2004 & 2008 Paralympian BA Linguistics (2011)

LET ME INTRODUCE YOU TO THREE PEOPLE

WHAT DO THESE PEOPLE HAVE IN COMMON?

A TYPICAL WEEK Approximately 18 hours in the pool Two gym sessions 1-2 spin sessions And a Linguistics and Phonetics Degree!

How I got here My journey Challenges University of Leeds

Birth Birth

I have never seen myself as disabled” “ I have never seen myself as disabled”

Self conscious Prefer people to ask rather than stare Bugbear - parents berating children for asking questions Children are inquisitive

How did I get into swimming How did I get into swimming? Moved to Dubai in 1999 Water baby Swimming was a hobby First local gala Realised I wanted to be a Paralympic Champion

WYRE FOREST SWIMMING CLUB First National disability meet at aged 12 Bronze medal England and World Class Potential Programme

ATHENS 2004 PARALYMPIC GAMES Aged 16 First international competition 1x Bronze S9 100 Backstroke 1x bronze s9 200 Individual Medley

KELLY COLLEGE

After school 2006 Completed A levels Full time Athlete Swimming became my life!

SET BACKS Tired Blood tests

PARALYMPIC TRIALS 2008 Under-performed Qualified but only just More blood tests

CHALLENGES AND BARRIERS Barriers Don’t regret, learn from your mistakes.

BEIJING PARALYMPIC GAMES 2008 Arrived in Beijing Living in a bubble Surrounded by elite athletes

100m BREAST (MAIN EVENT 100m BREAST (MAIN EVENT)

BRONZE MEDALLIST

UNIVERSITY OF LEEDS Why I chose this university

MEETING THE SPORTS TEAM Sport scholarship Financial, massage, S&C, Edge membership Matt Davison – athlete support advisor

SUPPORT Important aspect Extensions Change exam dates Sit exams in foreign country Part-time study Try and prevent compromising training

THE EQUALITY SERVICE Friendly staff Help available Careers Finance Accommodation Counseling

SUPPORT COMPARED TO OTHER INSTITUTIONS Lack of support Retired from competitive sport Dropped out of university

MISSING LECTURES Training camps Competitions VLE

COMMUNICATION Increased contact between Staff coaches

FINAL YEAR Was a struggle Swimming released stress and endorphins Encourage students to take part in physical activity.

- 203 days until the Olympic Opening ceremony days until the Paralympics.