Athlete profiles

Spotlight on... Nicholas Boylan, Great Britain Swimmer

Selected by the UK Sports Association for People with Learning Disability (UKSA) to represent Great Britain at the 2008 INAS-FID European Swimming Championships in Poland on 16th August, 24 year old, multi medallist Nicholas Boylan from Ashford in Kent, is one of the most successful GB swimmers in recent years that UKSA has had the privilege to work with.

Talking to Tracey McCillen, National Director, UKSA about his career so far, Nicholas and his mum Pat think back on those days when he first got into the pool to where he is now.

When did Nicholas start swimming?

When he was about 8 years old his sister used to take him to the pool, but he hated it! Then someone said why doesn't he join a swimming a club to see if that helped. He'd tried other sports and just didn't take to them. We hadn't thought about a club before so we thought we'd give it a try - he then went on to join Ashford Swimming Club.

It's hard to believe he hated swimming Pat, what was the turning point for him?

well once he was with the club, he realized he could do something well and on his own - this was a real thing for him, he was good at it and it gave him real confidence.

What Club is he with now?

City of Canterbury - he's been with them for about 6 years now. The club is so supportive, and his performance coach Tony Smith is brilliant.

How often do you train, Nicholas?

I can't make mornings because there's no transport. I want to, but I can't. I train 5 evenings a week, 10 hours swimming and the gym 4 times as well.

What's been the highlight of your swimming career so far?

2007 - breaking the World Record by 18 seconds in the 4 x 200 free relay.

You've really proven yourself as a talented and successful swimmer - why do you think you are so successful?

I don't think of me like that. Suppose through working hard, getting support from everyone around me, the club, home, the Council, funding help, and racing against Emma!

Who's Emma?

My training partner at the club, Emma Drabble. We spur each other on - competing in training and seeing who's got the fastest times!

What would you like to see change in swimming?

To be let into the Paralympics. Proper funding - it's so hard sometimes. For everyone to have the same chance like me in a mainstream club.

What do you think about the ban on athletes with learning disability from the Paralympic Games?

I'm disappointed and feel let down. It's really unfair.

Pat, is the whole family involved in sport?

No! Not at all. Nicholas has 1 brother and 2 sisters - Nicholas is the youngest. Not one single one of them is involved in sport - his Dad Melvin can't even swim! In my younger days I competed in Athletics - you never know maybe he got the sports gene from me then!

What's it like having a successful GB swimmer in the family?

We are very very proud of him. He has worked really hard and despite everything that's gone on with the Paralympics and all the problems with that, he's stuck at it. Honestly we are just so proud.

Do you get any free time Nicholas? How do you like to relax?

I get a bit of free time. I love football - Manchester United! I like listening to music - "Queen" mainly and I enjoy my Playstation.

Nicholas, do you have any advice to young swimmers starting out?

You only get out what you put in!

What's the plan for the 2008 Europeans in Poland?

Work hard, focus and win.

You've had so much success Nicholas, at the INAS World Championships, Europeans, Global Games - what's your ambition now?

That's easy - London 2012!

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