Annabelle’s Swimming Success
26 November 2024 - All
At Wycombe Abbey, we strive to support every pupil in achieving their best, both academically and beyond. We are delighted that Annabelle (LVI), an accomplished competitive swimmer, shared with us her journey to swimming success.
How did you first get into swimming?
I started swimming at Wycombe District Swimming Club when I was seven years old. I joined a class called Stroke Improvers, where the coaches recognised my potential, and I kept moving up through the squads from there. Now, I’m in the Senior Performance Squad, which is the top squad at my club. Although I tried other sports, such as gymnastics, ballet, and lacrosse, I was always more successful in swimming, and it was the sport I enjoyed the most.
What does a typical training week look like?
I train nine times a week for around two hours. I train twice a day on Monday, Tuesday and Friday, and once a day on Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday. I don’t train on Saturdays, it’s nice to have a rest day.
How does Wycombe Abbey support you on your swimming journey?
The School has always been really supportive. I don’t participate in games as they are aware that I do a lot of exercise through Swimming, and on Thursdays, because I have the gym after training, I’m allowed to come to School a little bit later. This helps to manage the balance between training and schoolwork. I always try and get my work done during the day as I don’t have much spare time outside of School, especially when I have a gala on the weekend.
What has been your biggest swimming achievement so far?
I would say my biggest achievement has been gaining a medal at Nationals three years in a row. I have been selected for some international events, but I haven’t medalled on the international stage yet.
Do you have a certain gala day routine?
We get sent a race schedule ahead of a gala. We usually arrive two hours before the race, do our land prep, pool warm-up, get our suits on etc. I feel more confident following a regular routine.
What are your goals for the future?
I’m aiming to medal at an international gala, I want to get as far with my swimming as I possibly can. I know that I want to continue to swim at university so I’m considering Loughborough and Bath as they both have Performance Centres. I would like to study Sports Science as I am really interested in Physiotherapy and Sports Psychology.
Mrs Sian Rees-Evans
Director of Communications and Marketing
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