Favourite event: Not the 10K! The 200m I.M. I like that event now after my trials swim. It’s a good mix between sprint and distance.
Finest ever performance/Why: 200m I.M performance at the Olympic Trials. I had been training really well. Did 3 weeks in South Africa where I produced my best ever training times. I am doing a lot of medley training which I really enjoy and to put that altogether in Sheffield was great.
The medley is a new event for you isn’t? Yes. I use to swim distance freestyle events but after the Commonwealth Games in 2006, I just felt my 800m Freestyle was going no where. I sat down with my coach and we decided to spend one year doing IM’s and see what happens. It has been the best decision I ever made.
First senior international meet: European Short Course Championships 2004. I won 400m Freestyle gold.
Role models: Former training partner Steve Parry. He is one of the nicest, hard working guys you could meet. He is so determined he could do anything he puts his mind to. I was so pleased he won the medal in Athens (Olympics 2004 200m Butterfly bronze) it was the result he deserved. I use to get a lift to training everyday from Steve and Ade Turner. They are the only two people who can make me laugh at 5am!
My aspirations are: I have achieved my dream of making an Olympics, so I am now targeting getting to a final. I missed out on qualifying for Athens 2004, as I achieved the qualifying time 2 weeks late. After Beijing, I am going to take a break, before hopefully going to university to do a media degree. I will keep swimming though.
Tip for the top: Enjoy it. I had a couple of years hating swimming. I changed my events and now I am happy again. Being happy really effects your performances.
Life after swimming: I would love to work in media, within swimming would be great.
Music: Everything. I listen to radio 1 so what ever is on. Because of training times I listen to Chris Moyles and Edith Bowman shows.
If I wasn’t a swimmer I would be a: Something sporty. In South Africa I did a lot of netball and hockey, so maybe one of those.
Football, Cricket or Rugby: Rugby. Sale Sharks play at Stockport, so I go when I can. I have both SA and England rugby jerseys, but if I had to choose….England.
Describe yourself in three words: Funny / Easy going / Determined
Would most like to meet: Angelina Jolie. I think she is an amazing actress.
Most prized possession: My nephew Gareth and my hair straighteners. I am going to be having a niece soon also.
Biggest influence on career: My brother Mark. He is my big brother (9 years older). When I was younger I got to choose whether to go swimming training with him or Gymnastics club with my sister. Always chose swimming.
Please visit Keri-Anne's website: www.keriannepayne.com
