Grassroots Games 2016: Swimming
The Paralympics is under way in Brazil, and the English Federation of Disability Sport (EFDS) is focusing on the sports that you will see, hear or read about over the next two weeks.
With 22 different disciplines on show in Rio 2016, EFDS takes a look at grassroots participation back here in Britain.
Today it’s Swimming, with Millie Bywater telling us about hitting the pool as a visually impaired teenager.
Swimming is always something I’ve enjoyed.
Prior to getting involved in the sport I wasn’t a particularly active person, though I did do a bit of horseriding each week. But I then went on a taster day with my school and did a little trial.
I knew really nothing about competitive swimming before I went on that training day.
And I’m sure I would now be a person who didn’t engage much with any form of exercise, had I not fallen into swimming. It’s always worth going and getting involved, especially if it’s something you’ve always enjoyed.
I’m having to combine all my swimming with still being in school.
I train one early morning a week, so on that day my alarm goes off at 4:45. That’s every Tuesday, every week. I don’t mind the mornings, though – that wakes me up for the rest of the day.
When it comes to race day I love hitting my target times.
It’s all about putting all the time I’ve spent training into practice. I suppose I’m more competitive now than I’ve ever been. I’m always competing these days, whereas before my relationship with swimming wasn’t based on that.
It’s nice to be active.
My fitness has improved quite a bit, which wouldn’t have happened if I hadn’t gone and joined in. I didn't used to be active but all my exercise improves my fitness, and I feel healthy and strong. And that’s a great feeling.
