Q&A with Sky Scholar and swimmer Siobhan-Marie O'Connor
By Mark Ashenden
Last Updated: 12/10/15 11:20pm
Siobhan-Marie O'Connor has just returned from the United States toiling in the water at a swimming altitude camp.
The 19-year-old star from Bath was part of the GB team dazzling at the World Championships in Russia in August and now you can get a personal insight to life as a top swimmer in Sky Academy's latest documentary.
Siobhan is one of 12 Sky Academy Sports Scholars and she's being featured in a special Sky Academy show broadcast Monday night on Sky Sports 1 at 7pm.
It's been an impressive rise for the teenage swimmer having helped the GB team hit back after a disappointing London 2012. O'Connor and her team-mates are now dreaming of glory on the Rio Olympic stage next year.
WATCH: I am Siobhan-Marie O'Connor. Now available On Demand and via Sky Go
Siobhan took time out from battling in the American pools, to answer a few personal questions.....
1. IF YOU WERE AN ANIMAL, WHAT WOULD YOU BE?
I would be a panda! They are my favourite animal and I just think they are beautiful and amazing.
2. DO YOU EVER DREAM ABOUT SPORT OR SWIMMING?
I dream about swimming and sport all the time! I spend so many hours a week in the pool and training, it isn't surprising. A recurring dream is about the black line at the bottom of the pool!
3. WHAT MUSIC ARE YOU INTO?
I have very varied taste but I love RnB and rap music when I'm competing as it really gets you pumped up for the race. I'm also into alternative music too and like to listen to this outside of training.
I really like Catfish and the Bottlemen and absolutely love Sam Smith - it would be great to see him live.
4. ANY TIPS FOR STAYING CALM ON THE STARTING BLOCKS?
Before I race I run through my race plan in my head. I think about all the things I need to do throughout the race. For example, as soon as I enter the water I know I need to do nine fly-kicks under water.
By going through each element of the race, I can focus on the task ahead and be ready for the swim. My pre-race ritual is that I always have to get on the block from the same side and do all the same stretches in the call room.
5. WHERE DO YOU PUT ALL YOUR MEDALS AND TROPHIES?
I keep all my medals in a safe place in my bedroom. I don't like to have them out on display but I know they are there, and every time I want a little reminder I can just have a look, which is always nice.
6. WHICH FAMOUS PEOPLE WOULD YOU INVITE TO DINNER?
That is a tricky question, as there are so many amazing people I would love to meet. However, I think it would have to be Beyonce, as she is so incredibly talented. Plus Muhammad Ali because he could offer some great advice and wise words about being the greatest sports person you can be.
Stevie Wonder because I love his music and I think he would be really entertaining. Lastly it would have to be the cast of Friends. I love watching the box sets when I have free time and I already feel like I know them so well, so it would be great to actually meet them in person!
7. WHO'S BEEN YOUR BIGGEST INSPIRATION?
My parents have always been my biggest inspiration. They have supported me in so many ways including flying around the world to watch me compete, endless journeys to and from training, as well as always being there for me during the good and tough times.
They have taught by example of how to be hardworking and dedicated but the most important thing is to love what you do.
8. WHAT WOULD YOUR AUTOBIOGRAPHY BE CALLED?
My autobiography would be called Waterbaby.
9. WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST FEAR?
My greatest fear is something bad happening to my loved ones.
10. WHAT IS YOUR MOST EMBARRASSING MOMENT?
We have been on an altitude training camp in Flagstaff in America and despite training in the pool every day, other sports have been incorporated into our training plan as well like hiking and cycling.
We went out on our bikes and I flew over the top of the handle bars. I didn't see the stop sign and had to brake suddenly but I pulled on the brakes too hard and flipped over the top. It was very embarrassing as it was in front of the whole team!
11. WHAT DID YOU WANT TO BE GROWING UP?
I went through many phases and ideas of different jobs which I would like to have done. I mostly wanted to be a vet though, as I love animals and thought this would be a really challenging yet rewarding job.
12. WHAT'S THE BEST THING SOMEONE'S EVER TOLD YOU?
You get out what you put in and make sure what you do makes you happy.
WATCH: I am Siobhan-Marie O'Connor. Now available On Demand and via Sky Go
