An unexpected accolade and a winter motivator

I come from a small town in the south of the UK called Godalming. I swam for the local swim team in my younger years and went to school nearby. I kept in touch with friends and still drop by to the odd training session from time to time.

I was humbled to find out that the chairman of the swim team, who is a member of the Sport Godalming committee, nominated me for Godalming Town's Sports Personality of the year. I know it’s no BBC sports personality of the year but finding out someone has taken the time to nominate you and to recognise your talents is always welcome.

In the end I was awarded the runner up trophy as the top award went to a phenomenal marathon runner, Chris Finill. Chris owns the amazing record of running 33 marathons all under 3 hours. The evening highlighted some of the amazing talent within the local area, it was a truly humbling evening and it was great to be recognised alongside some great athletes.

Training for 2017 has already begun and the motivation to achieve more is at an all time high. Whilst I have been unable to run, due to a minor stress fracture in my left tibia, I have been able to hit the turbo sessions and get back in the pool. I have been working hard all the time focusing on areas I let slip early in the 2016 season. I have planned out which races I will be racing at and I am getting kit organised. If I want to make the step up and perform professionally then I believe I need to approach everything more methodically, more consistently and ultimately more professionally.