Tip for the top: Success doesn't just happen overnight and you'll often meet failure on the road to success, but it's how you bounce back from failure and keep moving forward that is the true test of character

First GB selection year: Junior - 1999   Senior - 2002

Sporting heroes: Martin Johnson and Bobby Robson

Closest friend in sport: Rich Salt, Lee Forster, Ian Hulme and Matt Clay

Favourite sport other than swimming: Rugby

Three words that best describe you: Dedicated, motivated and laid-back

Would most like to meet: Bobby Robson. Being a Newcastle FC fan, he has always been one of my heroes

Biggest influence on career: My family

Toughest opponent: Myself

Biggest passion away from swimming: Rugby 

How do you prepare to out and race: To prepare I try to stay relaxed and focus on what I'm about to do

Biggest disappointment: Missing out on the 2004 Olympics because I came third at the trials and only the top 2 were taken

Favourite venue: Ponds Forge, Sheffield

Ultimate ambition: To win a medal at the Olympics

Where do you see yourself in 10 years: Somewhere nice!