Johnson makes the move to Manchester
27th April 2012
Paralympic Champion Elizabeth Johnson will be moving to the Manchester High Performance Centre as she finalises her training ahead of the 2012 Paralympic Games.
Johnson, who has been nominated for this summer’s Games, will work with British Disability Swimming’s Mick Massey as she focuses her attentions on competing on biggest sporting stage in the world.
Johnson used to train at the excellent facilities at the University of Bath under the tutelage of Mark Skimming but made the difficult decision to move to train with fellow British team mates.
About her move Johnson said: “I've really enjoyed my time at the University of Bath and am grateful to everyone involved, staff and athletes, for the input they've had in my development since I moved there.
“My home is still in Bath but I felt that in order to maximise my performance at London 2012 it was important to be involved with a group who were working within the same time frame as me. The Paralympics are later than the Olympics and my teammates in Bath will be racing there.
“I'm excited for the challenges that I'm going to face in Manchester and will benefit from all of my experiences that I've gained during my time with the University of Bath".High Performance Centre Coach Mick Massey commented: “I am looking forward to working with Liz and helping her achieve her potential at the Games. I believe this is an exciting time for the Manchester High Performance Centre. Liz brings to the centre a wealth of experience and a positivity that will impact constructively, and further strengthen our squad ambitions as we approach the biggest games in the history of the IPC movement, London 2012.”
Mark Skimming, University of Bath Head Coach, added: “Myself and everyone at the University of Bath would like to wish Liz well for the future and we’ll all be watching the Games and cheering her on. Liz and I have had a great journey together that led to her qualifying for the Games but she needs the support of her peers in the lead up to the Games and I wish her luck.”
National Performance Director John Atkinson said: “The move for Liz has come at a time when she needs to focus on preparations for Games time. I’d like to thank the University of Bath for their support for Liz. The university has world class facilities but Liz made the decision that she needed to be around fellow team mates as the Games get closer.”
