Favourite event: 200m Backstroke. Always been the event I was more comfortable with.
Finest ever performance/Why: 200m Backstroke Final at Olympic Trials 2008. It was simply a sensible, smart swim. I learned from the heats and used that to help me in the final the following morning. Of late I have been swimming better in the morning which is positive for Beijing.
First senior international meet: 2000 World Short Course Championships in Athens.
Role models: Daley Thompson. Everything he did, he won. You can’t beat that.
My aspirations are: To win Olympic Gold. It always has been, it is the ultimate goal for swimmers.
Tip for the top: Relax and enjoy
Life after swimming: No idea. Will cross that bridge when I get to it. I take each competition as it comes. I set myself short term goals rather than long term ones.
Music: Broad taste. I like most things.
If I wasn’t a swimmer I would be a: A footballer for Rangers. I would earn a lot more money. I often wondered if I had taken a different route than swimming.
Football, Cricket or Rugby: Football. Glasgow Rangers. I had a season ticket while I was younger but don’t have the time now.
Describe yourself in three words: Easy going / dedicated (I’m getting on a bit) / self belief (or I would have stopped swimming).
Would most like to meet: I met quite a few people through swimming, but I have not met Daley Thompson.
Most prized possession: A signed framed Rangers shirt which I received after the Commonwealth Games in 2006. I am not quite sure where I am going to put it in my house though.
Biggest influence on career: Parents. Without them I would not be swimming.
