Interview with Mel Marshall
At what age did you first start swimming?
I started learning to swim when I was four or five years old and joined a club at about age seven.
What is it that you enjoy most about swimming?
The best thing about being a swimmer is the competitions. Getting to wear your countries flag on your back and being in the spotlight in front of a crowd is an unbeatable feeling! Swimming has also given me some amazing opportunities. Competing has enabled me to travel to over 30 different countries around the world.
You swim both freestyle and backstroke, which do you prefer and why?
I prefer freestyle because it is the stroke I concentrate on most seriously. I have only recently taken up backstroke training again.
You won a Gold medal last year at the European Championships, where do you keep all your medals?
Oh dear, I would like to say I have them all in a beautiful display cabinet but I actually keep most of them under my bed in my house in Loughborough! The way I see it, the medals will be something that I will really appreciate looking back on when I am older. However, at present, it is the moment of winning that place that is more important to me.
Your alias on the Aquateers is Triple M, what does that stand for?
It is based on the name of the action film, Triple XXX. But it also relates to the initials of my real name, which is double MM.
Who are your role models and why?
My role models are mainly outstanding athletes like Cathy Freeman, Steve Redgrave and Jesse Owens. I admire them not only for their athletic ability but also for their personality and mental determination. I look up to people who stand up for what they believe in and are willing to fight for more than just winning.
What tips do you have for budding young swimmers?
Be happy and enjoy what you do. If you don’t enjoy swimming then there’s no point. I would also advise young swimmers to try and focus on the good things rather than the bad. We all have bad days, but if you can remember the more positive times it will pull you through.
What does a pro-swimmer have for breakfast?
Fruit and Fibre cereal most days. I always have a hot lemon and honey drink before bed too, which helps to ward off potential illnesses.
You are from Boston in Lincolnshire. In a recent survey organised by Sport England, Boston was highlighted as the most unfit place in the country. H
I have always loved sport and at school I did every activity I could. Swimming stood out for me and I realised I had the potential to take it further than just a hobby. After that there was no stopping me. It is not about what is going on around you, a passion for sport comes from within.
Some say that you are a scary force to reckon with in the pool, do you have a softer side on dry land?
Most definitely. In the pool I am at work and I am competitive. But out of the pool I am much more relaxed. The most important things to me on dry land are my friends, family and my dog. When I have finished swimming I intend to go out to Africa and pursue voluntary work to help develop better communities in third world countries.
