1. Claire Cashmore 2004 & 2008 Paralympian BA Linguistics (2011)

2. LET ME INTRODUCE YOU TO THREE PEOPLE

3. WHAT DO THESE PEOPLE HAVE IN COMMON?

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

6. How I got here My journey Challenges University of Leeds

7. Birth Birth

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

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

10. 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

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

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

13. KELLY COLLEGE

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

15. SET BACKS Tired Blood tests

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

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

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

19. 100m BREAST (MAIN EVENT 100m BREAST (MAIN EVENT)

20. BRONZE MEDALLIST

21. UNIVERSITY OF LEEDS Why I chose this university

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

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

24. THE EQUALITY SERVICE Friendly staff Help available Careers Finance Accommodation Counseling

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

26. MISSING LECTURES Training camps Competitions VLE

27. COMMUNICATION Increased contact between Staff coaches

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

32. - 203 days until the Olympic Opening ceremony - 236 days until the Paralympics.