Aquatic Athlete - Aidan Montgomery
Location: Grantham, Lincolnshire
Coach: Sue Montgomery
Aidan is 21 years old. His parents started him swimming because he had asthma and it was recommended to strengthen his lungs. It wasn’t until later he was also diagnosed with a learning disability. Since he started his mum says he’s just gone from strength to strength because he works hard and is completely committed to his sport.
Aidan says: “I remember the first time I got in the water. I was eight and I had to wear armbands. It was in the old local pool. I felt scared at first but then I got used to it and it was brilliant. In one week I went from swimming 50 metres to 200 metres.”
Aidan has competed in the SO Double Dutch event in Holland. He also swims with a mainstream group and is in the GB squad for Disability Sport England. He competed in their world games in Prague last August. He didn’t win a medal so he describes his performance as “rubbish”. But Sue says he’s always very hard on himself, and he did have some nerves at the competition, his biggest so far. In mainstream competitions Aidan swims with the disability rating S14 for the East Midlands squad.
Aidan trains five evenings a week and sometimes early mornings when he’s working.
Aidan says: “I always want to push myself, do more training. At a certain level it gets more difficult to improve. But I’m looking to lose a few more seconds off my times. I’m always working to improve my strength and stamina. Training is hard but because I set my mind to I can do it. In the past year I’ve managed two personal bests.”
At the end of June, Aidan is going to Spain for a week’s intensive training with his club and three others. He’s confident this will really boost his performance.
Aidan also coaches swimming and once a week works with younger children who have learning disabilities, often nervous first-time swimmers.
He says: “I really identify with their fear, just wanting to grab onto the lane rope all the time. I just want them to know they can achieve what I have. 18 months later I’ll see them winning a gold medal and that feels brilliant. I tell them look what you can do.”
Mum, Sue says: “He’s a great coach. He usually stays out of the water because when he gets in there with them, like on fun nights, it’s bees round a honey pot. He really gets on their level.”
Aidan is really looking forward to competing in Shanghai. He says:
“The world games means everything to me. It’s a real honour. China will be a very different culture and all new. It’s the furthest I’ve been from home and I’m sure we’ll have jet lag.”
Aidan’s sporting hero is Olympic swimmer Mark Oster.
Aidan’s mum Sue and his sisters Eilis and Roisin (aged 35 and 31) will be in Shanghai to support him.
Aidan has worked for the past year as a trainee chef in the officers’ mess at the Prince William of Gloucester barracks in Grantham. It’s largely used by the Territorial Army. He’d previously spent two years on a catering course at college. At the barracks he caters for big events, balls, cocktail parties.
Aidan says: “It can be nerve-wracking trying to get everything right. It was hard to start with. Now I know I can do it, I’ve learned from my mistakes. It’s all about timing, keeping an eye out so your sauces don’t boil over or burn. And it’s very creative. I read lots of recipe books and watch cooking stuff on TV. Gordon Ramsey’s ‘The F Word’ is my favourite. I’ve learned a lot from that. He’s arrogant but he’s the best chef.”
TO ARRANGE AN INTERVIEW WITH THE ATHLETES OR COACHES, PLEASE CONTACT THE SOGB NATIONAL OFFICE.
TELEPHONE: 020 7696 5569 OR EMAIL TO: pr@sogb.org.uk