Catherine Cremona Athlete Ambassador

Catherine is a swimmer who still competes around her work and family life. She talks to Sundried about life in the pool. 

Have you always been into sport?

For as long as I can remember, I have been busy in the world of sport! My mum will tell you a tale that I could swim before I could walk and (apparently) when I was only a few months old I could swim naturally.

What made you decide to enter the world of swimming?

When I was younger, I was interested in a few sports. Unfortunately, I had an accident when I was 9 or 10 where I broke my arm and it needed pinning. It was so bad that the doctors said I would need to exercise my arm every day or I may lose some of the movement. They recommended swimming and I haven’t looked back since!

What’s been your favourite race to date and why?

Our swimming club travelled to Holland, Belgium and Germany to compete. I still remember winning against clubs from other countries and feeling such a sense of achievement. I giggle when I look back at the pictures because even though I am on the first-place podium, the other two swimmers are still taller than me.

And your proudest achievement?

Definitely coming back to swimming as a ‘master’ even though I have a family and a career.

How do you overcome setbacks?

I think about all the factors that have led me to my setback and I think ‘What can I do next time to make sure this doesn’t happen again?’

What advice do you wish you'd been given before you started competing?

It doesn’t matter how big a person is, long distance swimming is about technique.

What are your goals for 2020?

To continue to train hard for the 400 metres Individual Medley. This truly is an endurance swim. This will mean stepping up the training both in the water and dry land training (gym work). I aim to have learnt from this year and take on more competitions. 

Who do you take your inspiration from?

It’s got to be the first British Olympic champion: Lucy Morton. Lucy Morton won the 200m breaststroke event at the 1924 Olympics in Paris. She is also from my hometown, Blackpool. Lucy was known to be very modest about her wins and when she retired, she opened a swimming school for disabled children. It’s just a shame I didn’t have the £8,400 to buy her medal when it was auctioned in August!

What do you like about Sundried and what’s your favourite bit of our kit?

I always use my Sundried swim cap and goggles when I train in the water. When I am sat on the poolside or doing conditioning in the gym I love a hoodie, top and shorts combination. So, for me it is the Matterhorn Women's Zip Up Hoodie, La Singla Women's Vest and the Les Rouies 2-In-1 Women's Shorts.