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I have a great experience at NOVA, the training was always challenging but I loved doing it with my friends by my side! There aren't many programmes in the country with the level of performance coaching and quality distance training that NOVA has. I don't think I would be the person I am today without the relationships I have at NOVA with my team mates and staff, so a big thank you always.

I have had so many great experiences since joining NOVA at the age of 9, always having felt supported by my coaches and team mates from Regional Development through to the Performance Squad. NOVA's great programme has given me the opportunity to compete internationally, both in the pool and open water. It has also given me the opportunity to receive a scholarship to train and study in the US for 4 years and I would not be the athlete or person that I am today with NOVA's support.

NOVA and the University of Nottingham provided me with the environment to thrive as an athlete. The programme and support enabled me to achieve things I never dreamt of achieving.

I started swimming in a small club in Staffordshire. The opportunity to train under such a great coaching team and the emphasis on developing and the emphasis on developing homegrown talent drew me to NOVA. Highlights of my career include competing at the Beijing 2008 Olympics. I think the impact NOVA Centurion and the University of Nottingham had on me is to always do things with integrity, work hard, be honest with yourself, show up every day and believe you will be rewarded.

Being a member of NOVA from age 12 to 29 shaped my swimming career, guiding me to two Paralympic medals, and influenced my life beyond the pool. The lessons learned, discipline instilled, experiences had, and connections forged have been key in building my character and impacting my career.

It's an incredible journey with so many highs and lows! I started swimming with NOVA Centurion from Sutton-in-Ashfield when I was 10 years old and was a member of the squad until I retired at 25. I am proud to have been part of the Nottinghamshire County Swim Squad and to have been part of a legacy that has produced so many world class swimmers.

I was fortunate to be selected for the NOVA Centurion program at just 10 years old, starting out at Radford Swimming Club. I remained with NOVA throughout my entire swimming career, even while pursuing my degree at Nottingham Trent University (NTU). The decision to stay with NOVA was easy, given the exceptional training and the top-tier education available at NTU. The discipline, commitment, and resilience I developed during my time at NTU and with NOVA were pivotal in preparing me for my future career in the Royal Air Force.