I'VE DONE IT!!
Wow..... What an amazing way to find out that I'd been selected to compete for the Isle of Man at the 20th Commonwealth Games in Glasgow this July!! I was told at the end of a training session by my coach, Mike Wilson at Pioneer 79's base, Accrington Academy. All my swimming friends and quite a few parents were present, I was in shock and didn't really know what to do when I read the letter from my Team Manager, Leonie Cooil from the IOM. When I returned home, I immediately phoned my grandparents, my aunties and uncles to tell them all the fantastic news! I can't believe that I will actually be competing in the Isle of Man's largest contingent at any Commonwealth Games, it is such an exciting time for me and a privilege.
However, I've lots of things to do before I travel up to Glasgow with the Isle of Man Team at the end of July, I have been invited to attend a 'team building day' where I will meet and be part of the team with the rest of the island's 40+ competitors. On the day, I will hopefully receive my team kit too. After that I will be attending the Isle of Man Lieutenant Governor, Adam Wood's house for a formal reception with the IOM team, followed by a swimming competition on the Island where I will be swimming for my Island home team (Southern ASC). I am feeling very excited at the moment about it all, but also a bit nervous (a good nervousness though!!) this will be an amazing experience, I just can't wait.
I am not sure at the moment, but I think I may be swimming 6 events in Glasgow, the 50/100/200 Breaststroke, 200 IM, 50 Backstroke and 50 Fly. This will give me Friday the 25th July free to break into the competition gradually.
As you can see below, my mum enjoyed 'cracking' open a bottle of bubbly after we received the news!
I'll keep my blog updated as I go on through the build up to the Commonwealth Games, with results from various competitions, so keep checking!!!
