Interview with Matt Clay

How did you get in to swimming?

I was born in South Africa and everyone has a pool in their back garden, so I was lucky enough to begin swimming at a very early age. My mum introduced me to the water and I started having lessons. We began to realise I had talent and things progressed from there.

What is your earliest memory of being in the pool?

I remember once running and jumping in to our pool with my watch on. It wasn’t waterproof and it never worked again. My mum was really angry.

You won Gold last year at the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne, how did that feel?

It’s hard to describe. You see that type of thing on the TV but in reality it’s so different because all eyes are on you. I was in shock because I was expecting to come third so to win was amazing. It was like a massive feeling of euphoria!

Your coach, Bill Pilczuk is from the USA. Are his coaching methods different to British coaches?

Yes extremely different. After 15 years of other coaches he has given my swimming a new spark, a new lease of life. I’m never bored in his sessions in fact I love every one. I see his influence as the reason behind my improvements in the past few years.

I hear you are a rugby fan, who do you tip to win this year’s Six Nations?

As much as I don’t like to say it, I think the French are going to win. England will put up a good fight but they will only get second or third. Ireland are the favourites but I don’t think they will win.

Were you impressed with England’s first performance?

Yes, very impressed. Johnny Wilkinson’s comeback has made massive improvements to the team as a whole. Our possession and general movement on the pitch are far better.

How do you prepare physically and mentally for a big race?

Physically and mentally I try to relax as much as possible. If you do too much physically you will seize up. Mentally I try to keep my mind off swimming, keeping my thoughts calm and happy. I try to enjoy the experience as much as possible.

Kelly Slater is down as one of your sporting heroes, are you a surfer as well as a swimmer?

Yes I am a surfer too. I have my own board and live by the coast in Swansea where you can catch a good wave in the summer. My dream is to live in Tahiti one day where there are some of the finest waves in the world.

You swim backstroke, what is your second best stroke?

My second best stroke is butterfly I came 7th in the 50m butterfly at the Commonwealth Games last year and am ranked 3rd in Britain. I also swim a bit of freestyle.