• Club: Stockport
  • Coach: Sean Kelly
  • DOB: 01/01/1987
  • Height: 175 cm
  • Weight: 80 kg
  • Born in: Cornwall
  • Lives in: Manchester
  • Nickname: Cass
  • Occupation: Swimmer

Where did you grow up?

In Cardinham, a small village in Cornwall.

How did you get into swimming?

My dad took me when I was little, and I have never stopped since.

What do you like most about swimming?

You’re in your own world, surrounded by water; it’s like nothing on land.

Describe a typical day when you’re training?

I’m up at 5.30am, I have a banana in bed, and I then drive to Stockport grand central pool, where I usually do some stretching and a core circuit. I then swim for 2 hours, 6.30-8.30am, afterwards I have some nuts and raisins, before going for a run/yoga/gym depending on what day it is. After that I go home, have some breakfast and then have a nap before lunch. At 3pm I drive back to the pool for another 2 hour session. After training I go home have some tea whilst watching TV then jump in bed around 9ish.

What’s your favourite event?

10km open water and 800free.

What was your finest ever performance and why?

I have two, making the Olympic final in the 800 was amazing! I had dreamt about it since I was a little girl so to make it was the best feeling ever. My second best performance was winning the bronze in the open water, I had only been doing open water for 2 years so to be such a newcomer and to win a medal was unbelievable.

What was your first senior international meet?

In 2003 European short course in Dublin, I raced in the 200 fly and I came 15th.

Who are your role models?

I don’t really have any as such, coming from Cornwall I didn’t really ever get the chance to meet any of the GB team but when I was little I looked up to the people in my club and as I got older I found people were looking up to me. I still find it strange that I’m one of the ‘big ones’ at the swimming club!

What are your aspirations in sport?

I’m training for 2012; it will be so great to swim in front of a home crowd, but that’s 3 years away so I’m hoping to make the Commonwealths next year.

What’s your tip for the top?

BELIEVE IN YOURSELF! It doesn’t matter if everyone in the world believes in you, it’s what you think and believe that count!

What would you like to do when you retire from swimming?

I would love to be a Blue Peter presenter! I love children, I’m good at making things and I’m always up for a challenge.

What or who is the biggest influence on your career?

My coaches. I’ve been to 3 different clubs and each coach has influenced me and my career, especially my current coach Sean Kelly. My family has always supported me in every way so I owe a lot to them too.

What do you do when you’re not swimming?

I love being outside, I have two dogs so I’m normally out with them when I’m home, but apart from that I love shopping and going to the cinema with friends.

What would you be if you weren’t a swimmer?

I would definitely be in sport, probably a netball or hockey player.

Who would you most like to meet?

Sean Bean!!!! I’ve loved him since I watched him in Sharpe when I was little!

What’s your most treasured possession?

All my medals and my favourite teddy called Rainbow he still comes everywhere with me.

What’s your favourite breakfast?

I love cereal, every morning I eat Special K topped with strawberries and raspberry! Yum yum.

What would we find in your shopping basket?

I’m a vegetarian so lots of veggies, and loads of fruit.