Interview with Gregor Tait

The Commonwealth Games were a real break though for you, what do you put your success down to?

It was my third Commonwealth Games so I was much more relaxed. I went there to enjoy it and I knew exactly what to expect.

Which was your best victory and why?

Definitely the 200IM. The victory was completely unexpected. I think people expected me to win the backstroke and I put a lot of pressure on myself to win, but the medley was a real surprise.

Who recommended you to take up medley swimming, and why?

My coach Dave Haller and I discussed it and decided to freshen things up a bit by trying something new. After I won the Commonwealth Games Trials I had to start taking the event much more seriously! I think if you know how to swim 200m then you can transfer it from one stroke to another. I think of 200m events as sprints and attack them, but you have to learn the right pace so you don’t die at the end.

What happened at the Europeans this summer?

I was 4th in the 200IM and I was pleased with that. The three guys who won the medals had to swim fast times to beat me. We swam the final in a thunderstorm and I absolutely loved it, some people hated it, but I loved it! In the backstroke I went too deep on my start and then ended up going a couple of inches too far under water. I knew I had done it but I kept going I thought I might get away with it, but I didn’t and got disqualified.

You’ve decided to move back to Edinburgh, why is that?

I want to make sure I don’t leave any opportunity unturned in my quest to achieve my ultimate aims. Edinburgh is my home city and it’s great to be back.

Is there anything you will miss about living in Cardiff?

My friends. I was there for two years and built some strong friendships, but we’ll still keep in touch.

How do you plan to prepare for the 2008 Olympic Games?

I’ve got three or four meets leading up to Christmas and the European Short Course Championships in December. After that it’s the World Championships in Melbourne and then a year to go until the Olympics. A load of the national team has just gone off to Australia to train but I turned it down so that I can get used to my new coach and settle in at home.

Which do you see as your key event for 2008?

Both the 200m IM and the 200m backstroke. I’m ranked higher in the medley but I want to keep my options open and go for both. I’d love to win a medal in both events but we’ll see what happens. My first goal will be to qualify for both events at the British trials, and then make the finals at the Olympics. Anything can happen after that.

What’s the best thing about being a full time swimmer?

Being able to go back to bed after training!

Do you get nervous before a big race and how do you deal with nerves?

Everyone has nerves, me included. I’ve learnt that being too nervous is a bad thing, but not being nervous at all is equally bad. You need nerves to get yourself up for a big race, it’s just how you control them that makes the difference. You should concentrate on what you can do and your own performance rather than what others are doing.

What makes a great backstroke swimmer?

Being technically good and not trying to cut corners. You need to be technically good to get the most out of yourself.

Do you prefer watching football or rugby, and which team do you support?

I love football but I’m not huge fan of rugby. I got into rugby a bit more when I was living in Wales because they won the Grand Slam but I’m a Rangers fan at heart. I used to have a season ticket but I’ve not had one for the last four years. Now that I’m back home I hope to go to more games and help them to win!

Where did you go on holiday this summer?

To my mum and dads house in Cyprus. They have retired out there.

How do you relax out of the pool?

I play football manager on my PC and I like to go to the cinema.

How many hours a day do you train?

5 hours of swimming and 2 hours of land work. That can be weights, running, pilates or medicine ball work. We’ve just started to do some hill running and that’s horrible!!

What’s your favourite meal?

Macaroni cheese.

Do you use a hear rate monitor in training?

We have them on poolside. It’s hard for males to wear a heart rate monitor; they look silly and just fall off so we have them on the side instead. It’s easier for girls, they can just wrap them round their costumes.

Do you have any bad habits?

I’m messy and a bit disorganised. I know where things are but no one else does!