Manchester Metropolitan University

• Current Students
• Staff

MMU Homepage»News & Events» Student swims closer to Olympic dream

Student swims closer to Olympic dream

Making a splash on national stage

Gary racing the 50m butterfly

MMU Cheshire student Gary Johnson has qualified for Olympic trials after swimming to victory in the 50m butterfly.

Gary, who is in his third year of Coaching and Sports Development, stole the show against a strong field which included GB athletes at a swim meet in Leeds last month.

Winning the race meant he qualified for phase 2 of the Olympic trials at the British Championships in June and the National Championships in July.

Coach Mike Barnes said: “It was an exceptional swim from start to finish, with a qualifying time of 25.72 which earned Gaz a place at the British Gas National Championships in London – watch this space.”

Focus

The 24-year-old who coaches as well as swims at Alsager Bridgestone swimming club is also very close to qualifying for Olympic trials in the 100m fly and the 50m freestyle events.

Fitting in his 7 times a week training schedule with studying for the final year of his degree can be difficult but Gary isn’t going to let it get in his way: “It’s been tough getting to this standard while studying, I’m training around 20 hours a week, working part-time, and I have my dissertation this year!”

“At the moment I’m just focusing on competing well at the British Championships, it will be incredible swimming alongside such great athletes, I’m really proud to have qualified.”

Confidence

Coaching and Sports Development programme leader John Daniels added: “Gary came to see me on returning to University.

“He looked stronger and was brimming with confidence after the ‘swim of his life’. It’s not been easy to study and train full time but he has managed both thanks to keeping things organised.

“We’ve been able to help support Gary without compromising his academic studies. I wish him all the best for the next round of qualification in June and for his Graduation in July”.

Published Wednesday, 8th February 2012