But did you know our very own City of Salford Swimming Club has many aspiring young swimmers who are definitely on the ‘one’s to watch’ list for future Olympic Games?
Amelie Blocksidge competing in the pool
We spoke to Amelie Blocksidge, who at 15 has just become double European Junior Champion and gained 2 British junior records at the European Junior Championships in July in Lithuania. A week later in Vienna she became European Junior Open Water Champion.
Amelie has already achieved so much in swimming for her age and is a true inspiration for young people. Here is what she had to say about her swimming journey and her road to the Olympic Games 2028.
How did you start your swimming journey?
I started swimming lessons at Worsley Leisure Centre in the Learn to Swim programme. I moved up through the stages and was really enjoying the journey, so when I completed up to stage 7 which is the final standard stage, I decided to carry on and join the academy with City of Salford Swimming Club.
What do you enjoy about swimming?
Everything. I love being in the water and the thrill of competing!
How often do you train?
I currently train 8 times a week, so it is a big commitment.
You have achieved so many amazing things already for your age but what would you say is your greatest achievement so far and how does it feel?
Amelie from City of Salford Swimming Club
Winning the European Juniors in both the pool and open water. When you win the medals it feels like all the hard work has paid off!
So, you do open water swimming as well as pool swims, which do you prefer?
I really enjoy them both as they are both different. In open water you have to focus more on sighting and looking so you can stay on course, but in the pool you need to focus on more technical aspects such as the turns. So, it’s great to be able to do both.
What are your plans for the future, where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?
I would love to get into the next Commonwealth Games in 2026 and then after that I hope to get into the Olympic team for 2028. I was so close for this year’s games so that is definitely a goal of mine. I am now focusing on the technical aspects that will help me reduce my time and get me where I need to be to qualify for Team GB.
What would you say to young people who are seeing the amazing things you are doing and are inspired to follow your path, what advice would you give?
Make sure you enjoy it, there is no point doing something you don’t enjoy, you can’t force yourself into a sport that you don’t enjoy doing. Train hard and listen to your coaches, they are the experts and can guide you on what you need to do. You need be focused and trust the process!
We also spoke to Amelie’s parents, about what it is like supporting Amelie on her swimming journey and what it feels like to see her achieve championship medals.
“We are so proud of Amelie, but she deserves everything she gets because she works so hard. She is so dedicated and focused, there is no going off track for Amelie, she has such a professional attitude, even at such a young age. She knows where she wants to go and she is focused and on track to achieve it. It is also a big commitment for us and her grandparents, getting her to training in mornings and evenings and travelling around getting her to competitions but when you see her on that podium it makes it all worthwhile, it’s such an amazing feeling. There is no prouder moment, it’s fantastic!”
Amelie from City of Salford Swimming Club (centre) at the European Championships
At Salford Community Leisure we are so proud of Amelie and all the young swimmers in the City of Salford Swimming Club. They all train so hard and deserve everything they achieve. We also need to give a big shout out to our amazing coaches who are so committed to guiding them on their journeys.
We look forward to seeing some Salford swimmers in future Commonwealth and Olympic games!
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