BSporty meets Freya Anderson MBE, Olympic gold medallist
Now back in hard training following Team GB’s success in the pool in Tokyo last summer, we caught up with British swimmer, 20-year-old Freya Anderson, on her very first Olympic gold medal, how she found her school years, what a typical day is like for her now and what advice she’d give to her younger self.
Freya, congratulations on your gold medal in Tokyo! It must have been an amazing experience – can you describe what the Olympics was like for you?
They were certainly a rollercoaster! I went into the Games with such disrupted training, both from the postponement and the pandemic but also from injury and illness, so really didn’t know what to expect at all. Honestly, I wasn’t really enjoying swimming at the time so was sort of just getting through it. But I’m glad I persevered as I really did enjoy the whole Olympic experience; being in the village with team GB and watching my teammates smash it was amazing so I’m really thankful I had the opportunity.
How old were you when you first got into swimming?
I must have been about 5 or 6 when I started learning how to swim, no different to lots of kids learning these days. My parents wanted me to learn to swim as a life skill, I don’t think any of us expected me to one day represent my country!
Did you ever feel like stopping?
Yes, I have felt like stopping a few times. One I remember was in 2017 when I’d injured my back and just felt completely defeated. I was in a lot of pain and couldn’t train. When swimming is your life, it is so tough to not be able to get in the pool and do what you love. It’s both physically and mentally challenging and in those moments you need your team, family and your friends around you to keep you going. I’m glad I did though.
What were some of the challenges you faced growing up?
I think a big challenge was not having enough time; I packed a lot into a day and I would be exhausted. Also my parents worked full-time so it would be my Nan and Grandad who would pick me up from school and take me swimming. It’s takes a lot of strength to continue when you are tired and feel like you are missing out on things your friends are doing but I had the support and swimming was my everything!
Statistics show that lots of girls, in particular, give up sports when they go to senior school. How can we encourage girls to continue?
I say just to keep options open, if you’re enjoying the sports you’re doing then that’s great. You can always just do it for fun, it doesn’t have to be serious. There’s so many benefits to keeping active, it doesn’t have to be about being the best – it’s about staying fit both physically and mentally and sport is so important for that. In fact, when you’re young I’d say having fun is more important than anything – choose something you enjoy doing, share the experience with friends if you can and you’ll keep going far longer than if you are pushing yourself to do something that you’re not really enjoying.
Did you enjoy school? What were your favourite subjects?
I enjoyed school, mainly because I was around my friends! But I did really enjoy art and geography, but to be fair that was probably because I was with my best friend for both!
Was it tough combining your swimming with studying / exams?
It was tough yes but at Ellesmere there was so much support to help me find that balance. I will admit it was tiring though; I’d even fall asleep in some lessons!
What does a typical day look like for you?
I wake up at 7am, train from 8 to 10am and then go to the gym to work out for an hour; sometimes I have physio then too. Then I go home for some lunch and a rest on the couch and I’m back to training at 3pm for some conditioning, then back in the pool 3.30 to 6pm. It’s then time to head back home for dinner and my housemate and I will watch some TV. I’m normally in bed by 10pm ready to do it all over again!
What’s next for you? Will you be competing in Paris in 2024?
Hopefully! This year we have the World Championships, Commonwealth Games and Europeans so it’s a very packed schedule. The British trials are in April in Sheffield which is where we have an opportunity to qualify for the events.
What other sports to you enjoy?
I enjoy equestrian events, but love to watch rugby, especially the Six Nations. I also dabble in mini golf - if that counts!
Who’s your sporting hero?
A weird one but I think Tyson Fury, the way he fought back from mental health challenges to come back on top is so inspiring.
If you could give your younger school-aged self some advice, what would it be?
Probably to just keep my head screwed on and remain calm! And stop catastrophising things. But also have no regrets - I’m glad I went through the things I did because it has all helped me get to where I am and who I am today.
