Team IOM Profiles: Swimming
Five athletes will represent the Isle of Man in Swimming at the 2018 Commonwealth Games in the Gold Coast.
Charlotte ATKINSON
This is Charlotte’s second appearance at the Commonwealth games having represented the Island at Glasgow 2014. The 21 year old student from Douglas has also competed in the World Championships held in Budapest in 2017.
Occupation: Student
Education: Human biology at Loughborough University, England
Languages spoken: English
Coach: CLUB: Andi MANLEY
Reason: “I have always loved swimming and was confident in the pool from a very early age. When I was about six years old my parents took me for a trial to become a member of Douglas Amateur Swimming Club.
Ambition: "The Olympic Games is every athlete’s ultimate goal."
Memorable: Being placed in the top 10 world rankings for her time in the 100m butterfly in March 2014. “This was an amazing achievement for me, and something I would never have imagined possible when I started my swimming career."
Hero: Olympic gold medallist swimmer, Rebecca ADLINGTON
Guy DAVIES
21 year old Guy Davies is attending his second Commonwealth Games. He competed at Glasgow 2014. He is also a four times Gold medal winner at the 2017 Nat West Island Games in Gotland – he also brought home two Silver medals.
Occupation: Student
Education: Biology at University of Bath, England
Laura KINLEY
21 year old Laura was the only Isle of Man swimmer to qualify for the London 2012 Olympic Games trials in London.
She was also appointed swimming team captain for the Isle of Man at the 2017 NatWest Island Games in Gotland, Sweden. Won a total of eight medals, including a gold in the 100m breaststroke at the Games.
This is Laura’s second Commonwealth Games, having represented the Island at Glasgow 2014.
She will compete in the 50 and 100m Breaststroke
Occupation: Student
Education: Sports science and management at Loughborough University, England
Coach: CLUB: Ian HULME
Sporting relatives: Her father, Juan, is a triathlete and won a bronze medal at the 2003 Island Games.
Other sports: Previously played badminton and cycling at a high level.
Reason: Began swimming at a young age, having been advised that it would assist with her acute asthma.
Ambition: To compete at the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games.
Hero: Professional road racing cyclist Mark CAVENDISH
Niamh ROBINSON
At only 18, this young athlete already has already clocked up outstanding achievements. She participated at her first Commonwealth Games at Glasgow 2014, as the youngest member of the Manx team at the age of 14. Competed in six events and her best result was 15th in the 50m breaststroke. She remains the youngest member of the Manx squad.
Niamh comes from a sporting family. Her mother, Suzanne, represented the Isle of Man in swimming at the Auckland 1990 Commonwealth Games and her father competed at county level in water polo. Her younger brother, Harry, engages in swimming at a high level.
Niamh will contest the 50, 100 and 200m Breaststroke and the 200m Individual Medley.
Hobbies: Baking, drawing
Occupation: Student
Coach: CLUB: Emma COLLINGS-BARNES
Other sports: Taken part in netball and cross country at county and regional level.
Injuries: Had chondromalacia patellae in 2014 - a condition where the cartilage on the undersurface of the patella (kneecap) deteriorates and softens. Ongoing problem with both of her shoulders through overuse.
Reason: “I was first introduced to the water as a toddler, as my parents wanted me to learn how to swim for lifesaving skills.
Ambition: “My ambitions for the future are to compete at the Commonwealth Games for the Isle of Man, and qualify for semifinals in numerous events.
Memorable: The feeling of walking out into the stadium for the opening ceremony at the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games. “The roar from the crowd was incredible, and the feeling was overwhelming.
Hero: Two-time British Olympic gold medallist Rebecca ADLINGTON. Australian swimmer Sally HUNT. “I had the pleasure of meeting and exchanging kit with her (HUNT) at Glasgow (2014 Commonwealth Games), she went on to win a silver medal in the 200m breaststroke.
Stephanie BREW
21 year old Stephanie Brew from Ramsey is making her Commonwealth Games debut and will compete in 50 and 100m Breaststroke.
She is part of a team of lifeguards from Western Swimming Pool which helped to save the life of a swimmer. The team was honoured by the Royal Life Saving Society United Kingdom, receiving a Certificate of Meritorious Lifeguards from the UK drowning prevention charity.
Occupation: Lifeguard, swimming teacher
Languages spoken: English
Coach: NATIONAL: Lee HOLLAND
Injuries: Right shoulder tendon injury in 2015.
Memorable: Competing at past four Island Games and achieving a (Gold Coast) 2018 Commonwealth Games consideration standard time.
Hero: Olympic gold medallist swimmer Rebecca ADLINGTON
Additional information:
MEDAL BONANZA
Bagged a total of seven medals, including a silver in the 100m breaststroke, at the 2017 NatWest Island Games in Gotland, Sweden.
QUEEN’S BATON
Participated in the Queens’s Baton Relay in the Isle of Man leg in September 2017.