UK SCHOOL GAMES 2008

Hi.

I travelled to Cardiff by train last Thursday with the East Region Swimming team to compete at my third UK School Games. I was really excited as this is my favourite competition every year.

In 2007, I won 2 silver medals and last year I won 2 golds. This year I was entered in 3 events, so I was really looking forward to this.

On the Thursday, we had the opening ceremony at Cardiff Bay. A young and talented breakdancer and a chior performed before the loud music, lasers and fireworks kicked us into being very hungry athletes.

I trained on Friday morning with the rest of the team to prepare for my 2 races that I would be competing in, in the afternoon.

I raced in the 50m Freestyle and 100m Back, and just finished outside my PB's. I was a bit disappointed but defended my title in the 50m Freestyle as I stood on top of the podium like last year. I also acheived a bronze medal
in the 100m Backstroke. It was brilliant top be on the podium and could not wait to race in the 100m Freestyle on the next day.
I was back at Swansea the next day to race in my favourite event. I was really fired up and wanted to touch the wall in under 1 minute for the first time in a 50m pool. That unfortuantly did not happen. I had swam a great first half of the race but failed to bring the race home as quick. I did win another bronze but I was gutted about the time, but now I have to move on and learn from my great and tough experiences. Can not wait for the UK School Games next year, when they will take place in Sunderland.