Interview with Sascha Kindred

You have an unusual name, where is it from?

I was born in Germany and my mum is German. We moved to Britain when I was three, and I don’t remember my time in Germany at all. The German team asked me to swim for them, but I wanted to swim for Great Britain.

What is your proudest achievement in swimming?

Winning my first Paralympic gold in Sydney 200 on the 100m breast stroke. I also won the 200m IM.

How did you get into swimming?

My brother was swimmer and I wanted to copy him. My mum was reluctant because of my disability but I was determined and started with a club at age 11.

How many hours a week do you train?

I do nine 2 hour sessions in the water and two or three 1 hour gym sessions. I’m a full time swimmer, lottery funding has really helped me.

You’ve not been beaten in the 200m IM since before the Sydney Olympics in 2000, how much pressure do you feel now every time you race?

I’ve not been beaten since the Europeans in 1999. There’s pressure every time I race but I think to myself that I’ve got all this experience so there’s nothing to loose. I treat each race as it comes, and I know there are some good youngsters coming through. The silver and bronze medal winners behind me at the Worlds were both under 20 but I’m 29.

Which is your best event?

I started off as a breaststroker, but I think the 200m IM is my best event now. 200im, started off as breaststroker

How was your performance at the Paralympic World Cup this weekend?

It was good. I was surprised because I felt a pain in my neck during the warm up and had to see the physio. In the end I was only a second off my best time and we weren’t fully rested as it’s the National Championships this weekend in Sheffield.

Paralympic sport is gaining more TV coverage now with the BBC’s interactive service. What do you think about this?

Paralympic sport has definately moved forward. There was an hour of Paralympic sport on TV every day during the Athens Olympics. More coverage means more people see Paralympic sport and start to understand it better. I remember in the old days when I swam well I would have to ring up the papers myself, but now they come to me!

A lot of people find it hard to understand the disability racing categories, which one are you in and what does that mean?

There are 10 categories of physical disability, 1 is the most sever and 10 is the least. I’m a 6 in every event, except breaststroke where I’m a 7. This means I’m just about the middle. I have cerebral palsy, which affects the right side of my body. My right side is much weaker, and I have a slight weakness in my left arm. But I train just the same as everyone else, my disability doesn’t change anything. Lots of disability swimmers train with main stream clubs. This was hard for me at first but I adapted to it quickly.

Which events are you targeting for Beijing?

200m IM and 100m Breaststroke to defend my titles and 50m fly as well, I won a bronze at worlds last year.

Do you plan to still be around for London 2012?

I’ll re-evaluate things after Beijing. I’d love to finish my career in London, that would be awesome!

What do you think you will be doing in ten years?

I’d like to give something back to the sport, so I think I’ll be coaching. I already have my assistance teachers and teachers certificate. I’d done some coaching already.

What else are you into, apart from swimming?

I love watching all sports, eating out and going to the cinema. I’m a big fan on the mighty reds and I go to Old Trafford when ever I can – about 5 or 6 times a season.

Will Manchester United win the FA Cup this weekend?

YES! Scholes and Giggs to score!!