We talk to Freya Anderson MBE of Team GB

How would you describe yourself?

Resilient and determined. And I try to be happy and bubbly - most of the time!

Where is home? And work?

Home is on the Wirral, in Upton. I currently live and train in Bath but I like to get home to see family and friends as much as possible

What did you want to be when you were younger?

I actually always wanted to be a vet when I was younger but as my swimming progressed and became more than a hobby, it took over my studies!

How did your time at Ellesmere College help nurture your future success?

It allowed me to combine my swimming and studies in the same place and the support from my coaches and all the teachers was amazing. I feel very lucky to have been able to study there.

You have previously commented that swimming helped to build your confidence when you were younger– what was it about competing in the sport that helped give you that boost?

Swimming just helped me become confident in myself and my own skin, I learnt that I am quite strong-willed which is a great confidence boost. You find yourself out of your comfort zone all the time when you’re a swimmer, whether that’s training, competing on a world stage or speaking to the media, and that has been good for me as I’ve got older. I am definitely a lot more confident now.

Name a few of your favourite places to be...

I love going on city holidays. My favourite has to be Paris. When I’m home I just love to enjoy family dog walks along the Wirral way walk.

Who is your sporting idol?

When I was younger my idol was Rebecca Adlington. Her two gold medals in Beijing were just incredible and she has done so much to raise the profile of the sport and encourage more people to take it up.

What was the last gift you gave someone?

My friend and I baked a cake for my friend’s 21st which I was very proud of. I also gifted her some dried flowers which I love (they last for ages) and a fluffy jumper from SKIMS.

Tell us a secret/fun fact?

A secret fact is that I used to have a Hunger Games fan page on Instagram when I was about 12! 

Who or what would you place in Room 101?

Loud breathers or chewers - sounds mean but it’s a pet hate.

What would your mastermind subject be? 

Hunger Games.

What’s been your biggest life lesson?

I think at the Olympics last year; to realise I’m more than just swimming. I’m a daughter, sister, friend, etc. And it took me a while to realise how important that is.

How would you describe the dedication it takes to become an Olympic Gold Medalist?

Gruelling I would say. It takes blood, sweat and a lot of tears (from me!).

How has life changed for you since winning last year?

It’s still been pretty normal. I just want to train even harder now.

What was your reaction when you found out you would be receiving your MBE this year? 

I thought it was fake! My entire family was so made up. I was away when I got the letter as it was sent to my family home. My dad opened it for me and when he called to tell me, I thought it was a joke. It’s a real honour.

Do you find younger generations look up to you now and what advice would you give to the students of Ellesmere College looking to achieve their own aspirations?

Yes, I hope I can be a good role model. My advice would be to make sure you’re enjoying it, sometimes it can be hard to check yourself and it can turn into a chore when you’re not enjoying yourself so just make sure you are having fun. 

Instagram: freyaanderson_ 

Twitter: freyaandersonn 

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