Sky Academy Scholar and swimmer Siobhan-Marie O'Connor Q&A with six months to Rio Olympics
By Mark Ashenden
Last Updated: 24/03/17 12:27pm
The next six months will be painful for Siobhan-Marie O'Connor if the last few years is anything to go by.
Miles and miles of laps. Head in the water. Hours in the gym. Being away from home for two months during winter training.
Pushing your body to the limit and giving up what you love is what being the best in the world is all about. Rio is approaching fast and although Siobhan has had a stunning 2015, competition for places will be immense.
So what is the Sky Academy Sports Scholar thinking about? How is she coping with the stresses of qualifying?
Here are Siobhan's thoughts.....
1. WITH SIX MONTHS TO GO, SUM UP YOUR FEELINGS IN THREE WORDS
Excited. Motivated. Sore!
2. WHO IS YOUR OLYMPIC HERO AND WHY?
Becky Adlington. Watching her on the TV when she was at the Beijing Olympics in 2008 was incredible and so inspiring.
Being on the same GB team with her in London was an honour! She is such a lovely lady and has always been so kind and supportive.
3. WHAT DOES THE OLYMPICS TRULY 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.
Competing at the home Olympics in London was a dream come true and an experience like no other that I will always be so grateful for.
4. WHAT DO YOU THINK MAKES AN OLYMPIC CHAMPION?
I think it takes all sorts to become an Olympic Champion. The common factors are someone who is hardworking, dedicated, talented and driven to succeed.
5. WHAT ARE THE THREE MOST IMPORTANT ITEMS YOU WILL PACK FOR BRAZIL?
My swimming costumes, goggles and swimming hat!
6. THERE ARE AROUND 268,000 MINUTES BEFORE RIO. WHAT ARE THE THREE MOST IMPORTANT THINGS FOR YOU IN THAT TIME?
Train hard, focus on doing everything I can to improve and to be the best athlete I can be. Stay relaxed and most importantly, enjoy the journey.
7. HOW DO YOU TRY TO STAY CALM WHEN THINKING ABOUT THE OLYMPICS?
Before a race I go through my race questions that I have practised with my sport psychologist which are really helpful.
It ensures I am focused on the things I need to do to swim the best race I can, and to not let nerves get in the way.
During training, I try to just take each day at a time and make sure I do the best I can in each session to get the most out of myself, rather than think too far ahead. It's really important to be happy and I have realised how important that is to swim fast!
WHAT'S COMING UP FOR OUR SCHOLARS..............
JAN 16 - MARCH 5: Siobhan-Marie O'Connor, Australia
FEB 3-5: Jack Bateson, Bocskai tournament in Hungary
FEB 3: Mark English, racing in Dusseldorf
FEB 4: Rio Olympics - 6 months to go
FEB 6-7: Elise Christie, World Cup in Dresden
FEB 13-19: Quillan Isidore, training camp in Zolder, Belgium
