Olympic Swimmer Jazz Carlin at Teddies
Becky Drury, Head of Sport Science
On Tuesday evening, the IB and Pathways Sports Scientists were privileged to listen to a talk given by Jazz Carlin, Double Olympic Silver Medallist in the 400m and 800m Freestyle, Commonwealth and European Champion, and British Record Holder. Teddies pupils were enthused and inspired by the talk and said of the evening:
‘Jazz was engaging and down to earth despite her Olympic status. I especially enjoyed watching the video of her as an 11-year-old telling the camera that she, “wants to be an Olympic swimmer”, achieving not only this goal, but winning silver medals in the competition.’
‘I thought Jazz Carlin was truly inspirational. She covered topics I find fascinating such as the challenging mental side of sport as well as the importance of nutrition in fitness. She spoke humbly and clearly which made me feel very comfortable, and I felt I could relate to her words, which I loved.’
‘Jazz talked about the importance of nutrition to be a professional swimmer, like CherryActive and nitrates to help the immune system, inflammation, and red blood cells.’
‘One of the most inspiring parts of her speech was the sheer dedication she had towards her passion. Every single day she trained in the morning and evening as a teenager, and despite not being chosen for the Smart Track Programme at 14 she carried on. Even when she didn’t see any improvement, she continued swimming and in the long run it worked out for her.’
‘The best thing I took away from the Sport Science talk with Jazz Carlin was how many things she did that she didn’t enjoy too much but did them because it helped her to be the best she could be. Inspiring.’
‘One of the main things I took away from her talk was her use of a confidence book in which she would write down what went well in training. Then when it came to the Olympics, she read them back to herself which gave her a final inspiring thought.’
‘I found it incredible how many hours and how far Jazz was able to swim each day and the sheer amount of training she was capable of. I also loved her positive coping strategies which I will take on board and use for my own sport.’
‘I found Jazz extremely inspiring, her dedication and drive towards her sport, and her resilient attitude towards training and setbacks was really motivating as a young sportswoman.’