BALANCE_MARCH_2020 - 34

BODY & SOUL SWIMMING IIIII

Describe the feeling of being in the water?
It feels like a moment trapped in time.
Sometimes we get too serious about our
performance, but when was the last time you
got in the water just to enjoy it? When you
submerge and all you hear is the peacefulness of
the water... that moment is yours and you can
always close your eyes and go back to it.

JAZZ CARLIN
Olympic
Medallist

Two Olympic swimmers share how the sport and
being active has benefited their lives
ALIA
ATKINSON
World Record
Holder
Which is more vital:
the mental or physical
readiness for an event?
Even the most physically prepared athlete will
not be at their best if they are mentally weak.
We should learn to train our minds more
than we train our bodies; and what you feed
it will be beneficial - or detrimental - to
your performance.

E V E N T:
LIVE
PODCAST!
34

How is being an Olympian rewarding?
I love the fact that I have so much knowledge
and experience that I can share. The most
rewarding part is when athletes look at you
and really absorb that information. Then, they
will know that their path to the Olympics is
a bit more clearer than their predecessors.
What's one piece of advice you would give
to someone wanting to get into swimming?
Have fun in the water first and create a love
for it, then if you want to take it further with
guidance and technique, join a swim club. It can
help your development as you learn more about
the sport, life and yourself.

Looking for inspiration in and out of the water? If you love the water and are generally into health
and fitness and mindfulness, you won't want to miss our live podcast on 26 March. Hear from writer
Lou Stoppard, motivational speaker Ben Hurst, Olympic Medalist Jazz Carlin and outdoor adventurist
Rory Southworth, who will share their life experiences and offer valuable advice and insight into the
mindfulness techniques they use for achieving success.
DATE: 26 March TIME: 6.30-9pm VENUE: UNCLE, 9 Churchyard Row, London, SE11 4FJ
BOOK YOUR PLACE NOW: balance.media/swimpodcast

INTERVIEWS BY ALISTAIR MACQUEEN

BORN TO SWIM

What do you find more
difficult: The mental or
physical preparation for
a race or event?
I'd say probably your mental state. The physical
aspect of training is important, but then going
into the competition, your mental preparation
is the real key.
What hobby or activity helps you truly reset
when things get tough?
I really enjoy going to the gym, getting a bit
stronger and testing myself. I also love going out
for long walks, which allows me to switch off if
things are on my mind.
You've spoken about the psychological
pressure you faced when you retired. How
did you overcome this?
You get used to a certain lifestyle and
training routine as an athlete, but when
you retire, you're really in charge of
your own life and programme. It was
a big lifestyle change for me. I had to get
involved with the real world, and focus on
getting over the challenges of adjusting to this.
Doing sport for enjoyment rather than as part
of my job really helped, especially ones I hadn't
had the time to do. But also communicating
with people around me: if I was struggling,
I would let them know how I felt.
Have you got any other plans to return to
sport or competing in any way?
I did a triathlon last year and I'm doing the
Three Peaks challenge in June. It's good to have
something to train for. The social side helps, too.
I've met a lot of my friends through swimming
and sport, all over the world. It's good to do
team sports, have fun and it makes a really nice
change from competing.

BALANCE_MARCH_2020

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