Siobhan-Marie O'Connor took part in a Q&A on a visit to her old school

Last week, Sky Academy Sports Scholar Siobhan-Marie O'Connor teamed up with Athlete Mentor Tom Reed for a Sky Sports Living for Sport School visit at Siobhan's old secondary school, Ralph Allen College in Bath.

With the swimming qualifiers for the 2016 Rio Olympics fast approaching we caught up with Sports Scholar Siobhan and here's what she had to say…

What has it been like coming back to your old school and seeing some of your old teachers?

It's been really nice to come back to my old school and walk the corridors that are so familiar. I have really happy memories of my time here, I loved being able to see my friends every day. My teachers were so great with helping me balance school work with training, so it's really nice to come back today with Sky Academy.

And how was meeting Tom Reed and being involved in the Sky Sports Living for Sport session?

I've actually seen Tom around the Bath University campus so it was a bit weird seeing him at my old school. The session was great too, the kids looked like they were really enjoying themselves. I would have loved to be part of something like this when I was at school. 

How did you get into swimming?

I started swimming when I was seven years old. My Dad is really into his sports so it's safe to say I tried a lot of sports before I tried swimming. 

Who was your childhood hero? Why?

Rebecca Adlington for sure. I remember watching her double gold at the 2008 Beijing Olympics on TV. She's such an inspiration and it was so amazing being on the same team with her at London 2012. She is such a lovely lady and has always been so kind and supportive.

How many hours do you spend training a week?

A lot! We have 10 swimming sessions a week - two every day apart from Wednesdays and Saturdays where we only have one. On average I'll cover 6km a session. On top of that we also have five "land" sessions, which can be anything from gym sessions to strength and conditioning. 

What's the worst thing about swimming?

I love swimming which is why I do it but the sacrifices to be the best swimmer I can, can be hard. I can't just drop everything and go out and see my friends. I also have to be careful with what I eat although I do love a box of Ben's cookies! You have to treat yourself every now and then!

What was it like competing at the London 2012 Olympics?

London was an unforgettable experience, definitely a career highlight for me. I was only 16 when selected and I was the youngest Team GB swimmer. 

What does Rio mean to you?

The Olympic Games is a huge opportunity to compete at the highest level and an incredible, life-changing experience for any athlete. I'm four years older, and like to think four years wiser than my first Olympics, so I'm going into the next couple of weeks and months prepared and will be the very best I can be. 

What's it like being a Sky Academy Sports Scholar?

It's so great, I'm one of 11 scholars in a variety of different sports. The best thing about it is that we're all on the same journey, with the same end goal, so we have a lot in common. 

How has Sky Academy helped you in your swimming career to date?

The support we get is unbelievable. The scholarship has helped me leave no stone unturned. I've been able to go to altitude camps, and I've just come back from a training camp in Australia, which was so beneficial. 

Were you into sports at school?

I was yes, I did PE as an A-level at Ralph Allen. As a child I was into most sports, in fact there probably wasn't a sport I didn't try! However, as I got a little older, swimming became the focus and other sports took a back seat. I still follow most sports as a spectator and support Bath rugby and Arsenal!

What was your favourite subject?

I really loved PE and I think it has really helped me with my swimming. With swimming being a power to weight sport it's so important being able to understand how the body works. 

Did you struggle with swimming and school?

I really did, and I ended up dropping A-levels as I couldn't manage the work load. I was missing lessons because of training or competitions. I even remember falling asleep a lot in lessons!  

Quick Fire Questions:

What is your favourite Instagram filter?
Perpetua

What's your favourite 'cheat meal'?
A box of Ben's cookies

What is your favourite TV box set to watch?
Friends

What is your favourite takeaway?
Fish and Chips