Interview with Ross Davenport

1. Last year you took the Commonwealth Games by storm winning 2 gold medals and 1 silver. How did that feel?

It was the best 2 weeks of my life to date. I went there hoping for 1 medal in the relay and to make the final of the 200m freestyle. To come away with 3 medals, 2 of them gold was unbelievable!

2. 2006 was a great year for you as you were also named BBC East Midlands Sports Personality of the Year. What did that mean to you?

It capped off a great year. It was wonderful to be recognised by my family, friends and the community. It was a brilliant end to a brilliant year.

3. What have you been up to since then?

I went to the World Championships and we came fourth in the relay, just half a second behind the bronze medal time. I was really disappointed as I thought we were going to get in the medals. The British Championships this year were also a disappointment for me. But these bad results have given me the kick I need to train even harder and get my form back up to what it was in Melbourne for the Olympics next year.

4. What are you hoping for in Beijing?

I am hoping for a medal in the 4x200m relay. I aim to be in that team, get to the final and fight for a medal position.

5. I hear you are a Derby County supporter. Bet you were thrilled when they went in to the Premiership this year. How do you think they will fare?

We are sitting quite near the bottom at the moment but its great that we went up. We did it in the best way too, through the playoffs at Wembley. I think we will struggle this season but at least we are up there.

6. How did you first get in to swimming?

My older brother Ashley decided he wanted to start swimming with his friends. I really looked up to him and asked if I could go along. It went from there. So I have him to thank, or curse for my profession in swimming!

7. Who have been the main influencers in your career so far?

My parents have been a major influence on my career. They have backed me 100% emotionally and financially. If it wasn't for them I wouldn't have been able to achieve what I have in swimming.

8. What do you like to do when you are not swimming?

I try to chill out and relax. I like to watch Derby County but sometimes that's not very relaxing! I also like spending time with my friends and family.

9. What advice do you have for up and coming swimmers?

Enjoy it! As long as you have a smile on your face it doesn't matter how you do. Believe in yourself and just try to do your best.

10. What would you like to be doing if you weren’t a swimmer?

Play for Derby County! That would be my ideal career but I tried to play football when I was younger and I was no good. I also like building so I could take up a trade. Otherwise I would probably coach, although I still have another five years of swimming in me I hope!