Beccles paralympic swimmer, Jordan Catchpole, 17 is part of the British Swimming World Class Podium Potential Programme, and trains eight times a week with the City of Norwich Swimming Club.
Image Credit: Claire Brierly
He started lessons at the age of four and joined Lowestoft and Oulton Broad Swimming Club where his coaches saw potential as a competitive swimmer. Since then he has gone on to set a new S14 world record in the 200m backstroke and broke his own S14 British record in the 50m backstroke. He also set a new personal best in the 400m freestyle.
Jordan already holds several swimming records and now has his sights set on competing at the 2018 Commonwealth Games in Australia and the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games.
Image Credit: Claire Brierly
TeamYSN caught up with Jordan last week to dig a little deeper into his tools, tactics and strategies that have allowed him to excel at this level. Our brief Q&A below covers topics including competition prep, sports nutrition and concise advice to upcoming athletes.
Jordan has recently qualified to represent TeamGB at the World Para Swimming Championships in Mexico in September. You can follow his journey @JCatchpole123 (Twitter).
How did you get into your first sport, and how old were you?
-
J: I started swimming lessons from the age of 4, then went on from there.
How do you cater for your sports nutrition? What sort of meal plans/nutritional strategies did you utilise?
-
J: I make sure I have plenty of carbs, protein and vegetables and fruits, but reduce the carb intake when in competition and stick with the protein.
Let downs and injury are a common feature of being a professional athlete, can you tell us how you motivate yourself and what keeps you going through major incidents or tough circumstances?
-
J: I listen to my coach if ill or injured. Plenty of rest and recovery. I keep motivated because I enjoy what I do, and want to succeed.
As a very successful youth athlete, how often do you train?
-
J: I train 8 times a week, sometimes twice a day.
How do you stay healthy? Any Nutrition Tips?
-
J: I take pro-biotics, & multi vitamins every day. And stick to a healthy balanced diet.
What does it feel like to win competitions? Describe the emotion and senses involved during and afterwards.
-
J: I feel nervous sometimes, but I try and stay relaxed but prepared for the race. It’s a good feeling when you see you have won.
What are your future aspirations?
-
J: At the moment they are the World Championships in Mexico in September. But long term I want to get to Tokyo, and fingers crossed get on the podium for Great Britain
What does your ‘internal chatter’ look/sound like in the run up to your event time. What strategies do you use to calm nerves and remain focused.
-
I listen to inspirational speeches by Anthony Joshua, to get focused.
What advise would you offer to Parents of youth athletes regarding their training, the pressure to perform (academic and sporting) and catering for nutrition? How can parents best support their training objectives?
-
J: Parents must trust the coach regarding training etc. To support the swimmer through up’s and downs not put added pressure on them.
What are your objective thoughts on Youth Sport Nutrition designing PROTEEN, the first safe supplement for high level youth athletes to support their recovery post training/match?
-
This has helped me more than others, as I am still young. Its good that it is designed specifically for youth athletes. The flavours are the best.
What are your thoughts on using sports supplements, do they have a place in elite sport and how do you avoid compromising anti-doping regulations? What safe practices can parents or youth athletes take to ensure their safety and compliance?
-
If you want supplements make sure they are certified by Informed Sport. There are certain supplements that can help you recover quicker etc especially when in competition. If you need medication etc. there is a website you can use to make sure it is safe. Always double check before you buy.
Image Credit: Claire Brierly
Feeling inspired? Get in touch with us if you would like to share your story and help others to get in to sport. Help us in our mission to spread the word around the importance of correct nutrition for young athletes in top level sport.
Leave a comment