I first met Themi several years ago while swimming in the Lake District, while I was with my coaching pals Gill and Dawn at Tri’n’swimwell.  Themi had also had some lessons in their Endless Pool.  He got in touch as he was keen to join the Technique SwimFit group I run from Bancroft’s School in Woodford Green.

The philosophy behind the group is that we learn and grow together and recognize that mastery of the fundamentals is, in itself, advanced training.  Which means the group is a FABULOUS range of swimmers from those relatively new to swimming to accomplished Triathletes and Open water swimmers sharing the pool together to become masters of the fundamentals.

Swimmers build a solid and consistent foundation,  develop a deeper understanding of the importance of the ‘basics’ ensuring swimming efficiency, and creating a platform from which more advanced skills can develop.  Where speed and endurance are both an outcome of improved technique and ability is determined by how long each swimmer can maintain good form.  Fitness an outcome of each practice.

Themi is an accomplished athlete competing on an International stage and has been kind enough to share his experience of the sessions.

 

What is your swimming background and experience?

I was never taught to swim properly when growing up, just enough to avoid drowning….I was however confident in water and swam and played plenty in the sea and in swimming pools, but my technique was was poor.  For my mid life crisis I started triathlon, about 10 years ago, and joined a local triathlon club.  I learned freestyle during club sessions, and during that process, I also learned that fitness is easier to come by than swim speed!

What was your motivation for improving your technique?

I ran at county level in school then went on to race bikes at a high level throughout my teens.  Even after this 20 year break, this background helped me reach a competitive level in triathlon in my 40s, after just a few years of training.  I reached multiple age group European and World championships events across Ironman 70.3, Xterra and for the GB age group team.

However, due to my very average swim speed at that level of racing, I’d always been on the back foot starting the bike. Applying the ‘train more get faster’ philosophy that works so well for the run and bike, simply doesn’t work so well for swimming.

In fact if your swim technique isn’t good, practice just makes permanent, rather than perfect.

What led you to lessons with Susan?

I had some Endless Pool sessions in the past, but I wanted coaching that was regular and affordable, because changing technique takes time and practice.  I met Susan on a swim holiday in the Lake District, she was there as a swimmer, so when I came across her website I realised I already knew her.

Everything clicked into place.  Susan’s courses are affordable and regular with plenty of personalised monitoring and advice, with lots of time during the session to practice and refine what’s being taught.

How did you feel about coming to your first session?

I was excited to join the first session, I was already convinced that the set up was going to be fun and helpful, and it was great.  The other swimmers are all really nice and friendly and Susan brings a lot of energy and makes it fun.

How have lessons improved your swimming?

They have been transformational. Just a few changes to positioning and philosophy make a massive difference.

Susan started with us on the pool deck getting the basics sorted.  These fundamentals are so important, and have opened the door to more stable, more efficient (and hence faster!) swimming.

What do you like about the lessons and what’s a challenge?

I like understanding the ‘why’ behind what we’re told to do or change.  Susan explains the ‘whys’ with lots of demonstrations and memorable sayings.  The most challenging times are when we accumulate elements to remember; however, Susan often tells us to only focus on one thing at a time which helps take the pressure off and allows us to ‘dial-in’ each element.

What is your proudest swimming related achievement?

Lining up for a mountain lake beach start at the Xterra off-road triathlon World Championships in Italy with the best athletes in my age group, who had all qualified to be there by winning (or coming in the top 3 of some of their races), in their respective country’s race.  I am proud because I stood on the front row, even though mass swim starts scare me, with bodies, arms and legs all over the place.

I consider myself a very average swimmer at races like that, I am only 60kg, and I’ve had people swim over the top of me before.  In a mass start open water race, the worst thing you can do is lose your nerve and stop swimming, because everyone behind you will just swim into and over you.

Mindset is very important, I had earned my right to be there, and I decided I would hold my nerve and put myself right in the action.  The swim went well, with a lot of adrenalin but luckily without too much drama, and I went on to have a great race.

I’m proud because it would have been easy to stand further back and hence avoid having to swim right in the middle of the ‘washing machine’.

Are you training for anything at the moment?

I qualified to be on the 2026 GB Age Group Triathlon Team, hence I’m currently training for the European Cross Triathlon championships, that will take place in Banyoles Spain this summer.

Funniest swimming moment?

Losing my trunks as a young teenager (the long baggy kind) when diving off the 5m diving board for the first time, in front of my school friends, I’m still scarred from that experience!

What are your future aspirations and dream goals?

My dream goal is to podium or win at a European or World Championship event, however, feeling like I’ve had my best race is what I’m really aiming for.  Swim-wise I’m aspiring to swim faster and more efficiently, so that I reach my bike in a good position, without being exhausted.

Any other comments from your learning experience?

It’s been a really enjoyable and fruitful experience, thank you!