GO GOLD Athlete of the Week: Joel Weston

Joel may have had drawbacks as an athlete, but this doesn't slow his commitment any less as his determination and desire means Joel comes back stronger. We take a look what Joel has overcome as a swimmer:

1. What has been your biggest challenge?

My biggest challenge with my swimming has been injury. I've had an ongoing injury and potential injury with my knee. This is my biggest challenge because I can't predict when it is going to happen; I can only prevent it by looking after myself and constantly doing rehab work to prevent it from occurring.

2. What would be your 3 essential items if you were stuck on a desert island?

My 3 essential items if I was stuck on a desert island would be; food, a boat and matches

3. Describe your typical day (including training, school, etc.).

A typical day for me would start at 4am, then I would get to training at about 4:50 and train 5-7am. I would then get home, eat and get ready for college. I'll be at college from 8:25am-3pm. I'd get home again at 3:20 pack my bags for training and eat. I'd then train from 4:30-6:30pm. I would get home after training at about 7pm where I would get in and eat dinner straight away. After dinner I would go and do an hour of college work before I start to relax and chill until I go to bed

4. How would your friends describe you?

My friends would describe me as being caring, fun to be around, funny, hardworking and determined

5. What's the best thing that your sport has enabled you to do?

The best thing swimming has enabled me to do so far is in 2015 I was picked and went out to the Netherlands to complete and take part in the international children's games. It was really exciting and amazing to be able to go out there to compete for my sport.

6. What's your favourite day of the week? Why?

My favourite day of the week would be Thursday even though it is one of the longer days I have in the week, I still think it is my favourite. This is because I like what type of sessions we do in that morning training session, then the gym work and swim session in the evening.