• Club: Nova Centurion
  • Coach: Glenn Smith
  • DOB: 03/07/1991
  • Height: 174 cm
  • Weight: 69 kg
  • Born in: Sutton in Ashfield
  • Lives in: Nova Centurion
  • Nickname: Salmon or Supersam
  • Occupation: Student

Where did you grow up?

In Mansfield when I was young and then Kirkby in Ashfield.

How did you get into swimming?

I started with the local swimming lessons and did all my asa Kellogg’s badges! I then joined Sutton swimming club and started training with Nova where I started on the British swimming program.

What do you like most about swimming?

Competitiveness! Also the places I get to go and the people I meet.

Describe a typical day when you’re training?

I train every morning at 6am except Wednesday morning and Sunday and I train every evening at 5pm except Saturday and Sunday. I also do four land training sessions each week.

My day starts travelling to the pool at 5.30am for a 90 minute training session then I head back home for breakfast before attending school. I have lunch and get some rest before I go back to the pool.

I do an hour in the gym followed by a two hour session in the pool then it’s back home to relax and eat before it’s time to sleep, ready for morning training the next day!

What’s your favourite event?

400 freestyle!

What was your finest ever performance and why?

It has to be the 400 freestyle in Beijing when I won a gold medal at my first Paralympic Games in a new world record time!

What was your first senior international meet?

German open Championships 2 years ago and also the Danish open championships, but the Paralympic World Cup last year was my real big first international meet.

Who are you role models?

The GB team.

What are your aspirations in sport?

Always be the best I can be... I want to win lots more Paralympic gold medals for GB!

What’s your tip for the top?

Always work hard and always try your very best. Believe in yourself and never give up!

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

Something in the media, hopefully connected with the sport.

What or who is the biggest influence on your career?

My family, my coach and GB staff - Team Hynd!

What do you do when you’re not swimming?

Relax, sleep and eat! I enjoy watching a good film or playing on my PS3! I also enjoy seeing friends. I love my iPod!

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

Not sure, I live for my swimming!

Who would you most like to meet?

I would say the queen but I have met her now at Buckingham Palace!

What’s your most treasured possession?

My bed, my new car and my gold medal!

What’s your favourite breakfast?

Kellogg’s of course! Coco Rocks are ace!

What would we find in your shopping basket?

Steak, chicken, vegetables, prawns, wedges, orange juice.