Claire Cashmore 2004 & 2008 Paralympian BA Linguistics (2011)

Claire Cashmore

2004 & 2008 ParalympianBA Linguistics (2011)

LET ME INTRODUCE YOU TO THREE PEOPLE

WHAT DO THESE PEOPLE HAVE IN COMMON?

A TYPICAL WEEK

Approximately 18 hours in the pool Two gym sessions 1-2 spin sessions

And a Linguistics and Phonetics Degree!

How I got here My journey Challenges University of Leeds

Birth

“ I have never seen myself as disabled”

TEENAGE YEARS • Self conscious• Prefer people to ask rather than stare• Bugbear - parents berating children for asking questions• Children are inquisitive

How did I get into swimming? Moved to Dubai in 1999 Water baby Swimming was a hobby First local gala Realised I wanted to be a Paralympic

Champion

WYRE FOREST SWIMMING CLUB

First National disability meet at aged 12

Bronze medalEngland and World Class Potential

Programme

ATHENS 2004 PARALYMPIC GAMESAged 16First international competition1x Bronze S9 100 Backstroke1x bronze s9 200 Individual Medley

KELLY COLLEGE

After school

2006 Completed A levels Full time Athlete Swimming became my life!

SET BACKS

Tired Blood tests

PARALYMPIC TRIALS 2008

Under-performed Qualified but only just More blood tests

CHALLENGES AND BARRIERS Barriers Don’t regret, learn from your

mistakes.

BEIJING PARALYMPIC GAMES 2008 Arrived in Beijing Living in a bubble Surrounded by elite athletes

100m BREAST (MAIN EVENT)

BRONZE MEDALLIST

UNIVERSITY OF LEEDS Why I chose this university

MEETING THE SPORTS TEAM

Sport scholarship Financial, massage, S&C, Edge

membershipMatt Davison – athlete support

advisor

SUPPORT

Important aspect Extensions Change exam dates Sit exams in foreign country Part-time study Try and prevent compromising

training

THE EQUALITY SERVICE Friendly staff Help available Careers Finance Accommodation Counseling

SUPPORT COMPARED TO OTHER INSTITUTIONS

Lack of support Retired from competitive sport Dropped out of university

MISSING LECTURES

Training camps Competitions VLE

COMMUNICATION

Increased contact betweenStaffcoaches

FINAL YEAR Was a struggle Swimming released stress and

endorphins Encourage students to take part in

physical activity.

DEGREE RESULTS

HOW CAN YOU HELP STUDENTS REACH THEIR

FULL POTENTIAL?

- 203 days until the Olympic Opening ceremony - 236 days until the Paralympics.

THANK- YOU