We take a look at what a career as an Olympic swimmer entails. Whether you are looking to inspire your team to break boundaries in swimming, sport or business with a keynote speech from a world-class Olympian or want to become an Olympic standard swimmer yourself, this blog aims to outline the mindset and effort that is needed to make a major splash in the pool.
To inspire your nation, your team and the world, and to earn your place in the history books is no easy task. Just like having a chance to swim against the best swimmers in the world – it all begins with a passion. Whether it's a passion for swimming or for success in business (or both), the reality is, that only those who are committed to becoming the strongest, the fastest and the best will make it to the top - and to the Olympic podium.
It is true what they say, to do something sensational you must make sacrifices. Famous Olympic swimmer Rebecca Adlington said in an interview with The Guardian, “It’s all sleeping, training, driving and occasionally finding time to eat”. When she was young, the swimmer would awake at 5 AM each morning to train before school and again after. She loved swimming and was soon trying to catch her older sisters in the pool. That constant drive to compete with those older than her proved her mettle and at the age of just thirteen she represented Great Britain at youth level.
The incredible demands laid upon an Olympic hopeful are both mental and physical, but as the years rolled by Rebecca continued to train harder and harder and in 2008 she appeared at the Beijing Olympic Games winning two gold medals.
Are you the tortoise or the hare? The earlier you choose the focus of your swimming career, the better placed you are to get your training routine right. Do you want to be an endurance swimmer or a speed swimmer? You need to know your strengths as specialising can help you build a fitness and health plan suited to your greatest aspirations.
Achieving greatness as an Olympic swimmer means scrutinising every aspect of your life in the hope of achieving peak performance in sports. Let’s take a look at these key details.
Target-Setting – Having realistic goals means you are more likely to improve quicker in the pool. Increase the intensity of these targets over time to really challenge yourself.
Technique – For a swimmer, technique is key. Take time to develop this first before you begin to focus on getting faster. Use kickboards to make your kicking movement more relaxed, coming from your hip and not your knee. Ensure you are breathing effectively and not moving your head from side to side every time you catch a breath.
Quality Coaching – A world-class coach can make all the difference. Having someone there not only to help you to use the best techniques but to motivate you and support you in achieving your goals is pivotal.
Foods rich in both protein and carbohydrates are suggested before swimming. Pasta, beans, and wholemeal bread are all popular and can be a great source of energy. A swimmer’s diet should be balanced and spread out. Frequent small meals are suggested to help suppress the likelihood of lethargy during your swim.
It is important to keep blood sugar levels balanced and your body should be sufficiently refuelled after each swim. Healthy snacks such as smoothies, fruit, nuts, cereal bars and protein shakes should take care of your nutrition, while fattier foods can put a strain on your digestion. Drink regularly to ensure dehydration doesn’t affect your efforts.
Inspiration in sport can come from various areas. Taking inspiration from Olympic legends like Rebecca Adlington and Michael Phelps can push you to try and match their achievements and further inspire you to focus on your dream. For some, inspiration can come from your coach, your family or just from the thrill of competition. A desire to be the best at all costs is what earns medals.
Here are some of the world’s best swimmers to inspire you and your team!
Michael Phelps is the best swimmer in Olympic history. The ‘flying fish’ won an incredible 23 gold medals throughout his career and set 39 world records, meaning he is not only the best swimmer of all time but the greatest Olympian of all time. Michael's legacy has inspired millions.
“You can’t put a limit on anything. The more you dream, the further you get.” – Michael Phelps
Rebecca won two gold medals at the 2008 Summer Olympics in the 400-metre freestyle and the 800-metre freestyle, making her the first Olympic swimming champion since 1988 and the first British swimmer to win two Olympic gold medals since 1908. One of the few people to have won gold medals at Olympic Games, World Championships, European Championships and the Commonwealth Games, Rebecca's achievements are unmatched.
Great Britain’s youngest Olympic competitor at London 2012, top diver Tom Daley has gone on to forge an incredibly successful career as a top athlete. A wonderful Olympic speaker, Tom is able to touch upon his experiences as an athlete, having won bronze at London 2012 and Rio 2016 before coming back stronger in 2021 to win gold at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
British Paralympic swimmer Ellie Simmonds was just 13 years old when she won two gold Olympic medals at the Paralympic Games in Beijing in 2008. That year she won the BBC Young Sports Personality of the Year and proceeded to inspire the nation once more in 2012 when she won two gold medals at the London Paralympics, and then a gold and bronze medal at the 2016 Rio Paralympics.
Amazingly overcoming adversity to recover from breaking her back in a car accident, Karen broke two World Records and competed in four Olympic Games. She won four gold medals in the World Championships and today shares her incredible story with audiences as an after-dinner speaker.
You can inspire your team today with a world-class Olympic speaker. Whether focusing on peak performance, maximising success or recounting the highs and lows of elite swimming, our impressive roster of Olympic swimmers can set your event alight.
To book a motivational Olympic swimmer, simply contact the Olympic Speakers Agency today by filling in our online contact form, or call a dedicated booking agent directly on 0207 1010 553.
Lucy Berry is an After Dinner Sales Executive who joined us in the summer of 2018, shortly after graduating from Victoria University "down under" in Melbourne. In her time at Champions Speakers, Lucy has booked the likes of Ken Segall, Simon Callow, Carol Vorderman and Gary Neville.
Prior to matching clients with top-class speakers, Lucy could be found serving cocktails to Samantha Mumba and Paul Rudd while working in Dublin. Her time in Ireland was not only spent juggling drinks, as she also made her netball debut for the Irish national team.
Lucy likes animals, especially bunnies! But she won't be feeding them courgettes anytime soon as they are the one thing she truly dislikes.
To discuss the details of your event or book one of our exciting Olympic and Paralympic speakers, call a booking agent at Champions Olympic Speakers on 0207 1010 553 or complete our online contact form.
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