As one of the most highly anticipated events in the university sports calendar draws closer, the University of Gloucestershire swim team is preparing for the British University and Colleges Sport (BUCS) Championships, set to take place next week.
Find out more here: https://www.bucs.org.uk/events-page/swimming-para-swimming-short-course-championships-2024-25.html
Despite a season of changes, the team is brimming with excitement, team spirit, and a strong sense of camaraderie as they head into the competition.
The team’s vice-captain, shared her enthusiasm ahead of the big event, revealing that the most exciting part for her is the chance to compete alongside her teammates.
“I’m most excited about going away with the team and going over with the swim team, competing, being there, and supporting each other on poolside. It’s always so exciting seeing how well everyone does.”
While Parsons is hopeful for individual achievements, she emphasises the importance of teamwork: “It would be amazing if one of us could win a medal, but we’re equally there for the team spirit.
It was lovely speaking too @uniofglos vice captain of ‘Swimming and Water Polo’, Emmie Parsons ahead of the club’s preparation for the #BUCS competitions next week! 🗣️
— Aliyah Ahmed ✍🏼⚽️ (@AliyahA73) November 8, 2024
Good luck too the team! 🏊🏼♀️🌊🤽🎖️ @BASportsJourno @BUCSsport #swimming #uniofglos #sport #Cheltenham #BUCS pic.twitter.com/EH2aXWvqpq
“We know we are a small swim club, so we’re not expecting to compete against places like Birmingham, or Stirling who are huge swimming universities. Instead, we are here to motivate each other and our own goals,” she added.
Despite the team’s size and the challenges of having lost several experienced swimmers, she is confident that the current group can achieve great things.
The team has qualified for two relay events at BUCS – the freestyle and medley relays, which the 21-year-old believes will provide a thrilling opportunity for everyone to come together and cheer each other on. “It’s going to be exciting as we’ll all be there supporting each other on the sidelines.”
Throwback too Friday evenings training session with @uniofglos Swim team! 🏊🏼♀️
— Aliyah Ahmed ✍🏼⚽️ (@AliyahA73) November 11, 2024
Some lovely skill executed by vice captain, as the squad gathered their times for their 25-meter freestyle! ⏱️ pic.twitter.com/9bp5ua0mGS
“I know there are more competitive swimmers out there, but I feel as though swimming is quite a niche sport, people feel that unless you have swum before, you’re not going to try swimming at university.
“I want to change that perception. I think it’s important that everyone knows there’s always a chance to compete to your best, even if it’s not right now, it could be in the future,” acknowledged the swimmer.
This season has seen the team undergo significant changes. With many key swimmers from last year having graduated, the squad has experienced a complete reshuffle, welcoming a fresh group of swimmers. Parsons is eager to see how these new recruits perform.
The lifelong competitive swimmer is particularly proud of the team’s progress under her leadership as vice-captain.
“I was really excited about taking on this role. If I’m honest, I feel like I really wanted to help grow the swim team in the best way that I know. With being a swimmer my whole life, especially a competitive swimmer, I was keen to bring more of a competitive aspect to the team,” she explained.
“I want to go much further with the team, do well at BUCS, cater more for competitive swimmers and reassure them that we’re here giving decent sets.”
This season, the team has faced some obstacles, including the recent departure of their coach due to other commitments. However, the swimmer has stepped up and taken on more responsibilities to ensure the swimmers are well-prepared.
“That is hard, if I’m honest. Usually it’s not so bad, because I have our CC, and Ella (Captain) where we would then both kind of share the coaching role. We did have a coach up until recently, but unfortunately, he couldn’t keep coming along due to other commitments. It is challenging, but it is manageable,” she revealed.
She ends with giving simple but powerful advice to her fellow teammates: “You’ve got this! Keep pushing, even when it gets tough. I know training can be hard, and when you’re in a race and you feel like you can’t keep going, just remember you can do it. Push through, and don’t give up.”
@park.life.sport @theuniofglos swim team took part in the #passthephonechallenge during training as they prepare for@bucssport next weekend! #swim #bucs #uniofglos #unisport ♬ Aesthetic – Tollan Kim
As the BUCS Championships approach, Parsons and the team are more determined than ever to make their mark. “Good luck to everyone next weekend – we’re going to smash it!” she exclaimed.
With a strong sense of unity and determination, the University swim team is ready to make waves at BUCS and prove that, despite the challenges, they have what it takes to compete at the highest level.
