Swimming

Swimming: the only sport where you can really make a splash!

Charlotte Corrigan interviewed James Thompson from Pioneer 79 about the benefits of swimming and why everyone should experience what this sport has to offer.

Why should girls take up swimming?

It is a sport that is highly popular with girls at many ages and there are plenty of opportunities for girls in swimming and in other aquatic disciplines (water polo, diving, artistic swimming). It’s a sport that doesn't overstrain the body and can target multiple muscle groups at one time and can vary from being steady and relaxing to tough and challenging, so it can offer a wide range to any level of swimmer.

What first interested you in competitive swimming?

I first started off with small team competitions and the annual club championships at my local club. It's usually something you fall into as many children are taking lessons to be safe in the water and no one is ever really aware of what can happen once your lessons are complete. I love the challenge of racing and the desire to have my name on trophies, I always used to remember the older swimmers winning them when I first started competing and it was something that I wanted to achieve as well.

What has been the highlight of your swimming career?

I was the men's captain of my swimming club at 16 years old and we made the Premier final of the North West swimming league that year. It was a very proud moment leading our small club competing against some very big clubs with Olympic swimmers.

What should girls do if they are interested in taking up swimming competitively?

Get in touch with your nearest club and see what is on offer. It's really important that you understand the demands of the groups within a club and that you can commit to the sessions in order to achieve the maximum they can offer.

Tell me more about why Pioneers 79 is a great club to become a part of?

Pioneer is a fantastic club with enthusiastic, professional teachers and coaches who care about the progression and development of every swimmer. We have a family-friendly environment where everyone is challenged and driven to be the best they can be.

For more information get into touch with James Thompson at Pioneer 79.