Getting back into a routine and update!

Hello again!

It has been a while, and it has been a tough 7 weeks, but I am glad to say that every day seems to be getting better.

I guess I will jump right into it, I am taking a break from swimming for now.

First off, I am really glad to say that I have not fallen out of love with the sport, nor am I ruling out a comeback. In fact I still love the sport, and would love to make a comeback, but now I need some time for me.

It has been so hard to take a step back from a sport that I love so much, even after 16 years involved in it. I still feel the desire to be better, and most importantly, I still feel I can get better.

But since Commonwealth trials, the lifestyle has become too hard to sustain. Honestly it was a miracle that I made it that far in the first place as the worries external from the sport started to build up. The main reason I was able to make it that far was through such a great support group including amazing partner who supports me through thick and thin (cheers Abs) as well as having an awesome club who have looked after me as much as they could at the City of Sheffield. Thank you to everyone who has helped me in this latest part of my journey, I appreciate you all.

Whereas swimming was the main focus in my life for years, I am really excited to start pursuing the future and goals away from the sport. Including looking to grow my business, as well as finding a job in an area that I believe I can best put my skillset and drive my passion, which are all things that excite me right now.

Reflecting hard on my years in the sport, I can now say that I have had a great career. It was not until I took a step back I could actually really say that and mean it.

In a sport that never leaves satisfaction as there is always something to chase, (making that next step, making finals in that next step, medalling in the next step, etc...), sometimes it is important to actually stop and look behind, at every step you have already climbed to get to where you already are.

Without swimming, I would not be who I am today. It has been my best friend, my worst enemy, given me challenges from every angle and taught me life lessons that I could never have imagined as an 11-year old swimming widths in his first sessions in the pool.

I am not necessarily planning a comeback right now, but I do not rule it out. To make a comeback will require me to be fit and healthy mentally, as well as being able to stand on my own two feet, or for another season of the International Swimming League to return (best believe if one of them is planned I will be back in the water tomorrow!).

My sporting journey has been unique, thank you to everyone who has believed in me above anything else. If anyone needs any support, feel free to get in contact with me, I hope I would be able to help in some form.

Future updates are still incoming, I have 2 blogs planned about the Commonwealth Games, an update on my New Years Resolutions and new challenges I am looking to throw myself into, some of these will be introduced in the form of my normal blog routine which (hopefully!) I am planning on getting in a rhythm with again.

For anyone who read this far, thank you. It has been one hell of a ride! This is not goodbye, more goodbye for now :)