Swimming.org is home to everything you need to know about swimming. If you are a parent, a non swimmer or just want to improve your technique this is the section for you.

In British Swimming you will find information about the world of high performance sport, including the disciplines of Swimming, Diving, Synchronised Swimming, Water Polo and Disability Swimming.

The ASA is the governing body for the sport in England. In this section you will find all you need to know about joining a club or competing in England and becoming a swimming teacher or coach.

The IoS delivers the ASA’s courses and is a member organisation. Whether you are a teacher, coach, employer or club you will find everything you need to know about qualifications or educating your workforce.

Gemma Spofforth

Share this page

Welcome to Gemma Spofforth’s profile page.

Personal Data

Date Of Birth: 17th November 1987

Born:  Shoreham on Sea, Sussex

Team/Club: Portsmouth Northsea / Gator Swim Club

Coach Martyn Wilby

Favourite Events: 50m, 100m & 200m Backstroke

Gemma Spofforth made her Olympic debut at the Bejing 2008 Olympic Games. She represented Great Britain in the 100m, 200m and 4x100m Medley Relay.

Spofforth finished fourth in the 100m backstroke just 0.04 seconds behind American Margaret Hoelzer.
 
At the 2009 World Swimming Championships in Rome, Spofforth put her Beijing ghosts to rest, winning gold in the 100m backstroke in a world record time.

She continued her medal charge in 2010, scooping three at both the European Championships in Budapest and the Commonwealth Games in Delhi.

Personal Bests

Event Time Year Record
Long Course 50m Backstroke  27.92 2009 BR
Long Course 100m Backstroke 58.12 2009 WR
Long Course 200m Backstroke 2:06.66 2009 BR
Short Course 100m Backstroke 57.17 2009  
Short Course 200m Backstroke 2:04.95 2009  

International Competitions

Competition Event Time Year Medal/Position
Olympic Games 100m Backstroke 59.38 2008 4th
  200m Backstroke 2:09.19   9th
  4x100m Medley Relay 3.57.50   4th
World Championships 50m Backstroke 28.75 2011 13th
  100m Backstroke 1:01.89   23rd
  100m Backstroke 58.12 2009 GOLD
  200m Backstroke 2:06.66   4th
  4x100m Medley Relay 3:57.03   4th
Commonwealth Games 50m Backstroke 28.03 2010 SILVER
  100m Backstroke 1:00.02   SILVER
  200m Backstroke 2:09.08   5th
  4x100m Medley Relay 4:00.09   SILVER
European Championships 100m Backstroke 59.80 2010 GOLD
  200m Backstroke 2:08.25   SILVER
  4x100m Medley Relay 3:59.72   GOLD
European Short Course Championships 200m Backstroke 2.07.64 2004 BRONZE

 

Domestic Events

Competition Event Year Time Medal/Position
British Championships 100m Backstroke 2011 1:00.52 GOLD
  200m Backstroke   2:13.22 5th
  100m Backstroke 2010 59.46 SILVER
  200m Backstroke   2:09.18 SILVER
  100m Backstroke 2008 59.50 GOLD
  200m Backstroke   2:09.70 SILVER
  50m Backstroke 2005 29.53 GOLD
  100m Backstroke   1.02.29 GOLD
  200m Backstroke   2.12.93 SILVER
  100m Backstroke 2004 1.04.41 8th
  200m Backstroke   2.16.63 7th
  50m Backstroke 2002 31.32 15th
  100m Backstroke   1:08.71 28th
ASA Championships 100m Freestyle 2008 1:01.86 39th
  50m Backstroke   30.13 BRONZE
  100m Backstroke   1.04.84 5th
  200m Backstroke   2:20.73 10th


In the Pool

Greatest achievement to date: World Record and Championship in Rome in 2009

Aspiration: To enjoy and get the most out of sport

Who has been greatest influence on you: My Mum

Swimming short term goals: Winning NCAA's as an individual and a team (in the USA)

Swimming long term goals: Better my times long course in the 100 and 200

When did you begin swimming: At the age of 3 - as I was so tall my mum lied and said I was five and was put in that group. I started swimming competively in Bognor Regis under Chris Adams.

Olympics: Really exciting, and emotional rollercoaster in my home country with a home crowd. It will be such an intense and rewarding atmosphere. I'm sure it will an immense feeling to stand in front of a crowd whether you are a first time swimmer or an old pro!

Out of the Pool

Studies: At University of Florida majoring in Family Youth and Community sciences. Am trained in crisis intervention and suicidology and a crisis phone volunteer

Other sports: We run and box as part of dry land. I love American Football

Ultimate relaxation: Candles and sleep with relaxation music

One thing you can’t live without: My sentimental jewellery

Tip for the top: Love what you are doing make the most of the people you meet along the way

How would you like to be remembered: As someone who you can count on, someone who can help people for the better, and someone who made a difference to people's lives.

Life after swimming: Some sort of Psychology or Counselling job

Favourites

Sports: Team Florida Gators!

Films: A Knights Tale, Rocky or anything with Heath Ledger (RIP)

Band/Music: Anything with LOUD shouting

Food: Chocolate

Hobbies: Travelling, chilling with friends, going to the movies

Last book read: Eat, Pray, Love

Favourite sportsperson: Ryan Lochte

 

Return to profile index

Useful?

6

Swimming.org is home to everything you need to know about swimming. If you are a parent, a non swimmer or just want to improve your technique this is the section for you.

In British Swimming you will find information about the world of high performance sport, including the disciplines of Swimming, Diving, Synchronised Swimming, Water Polo and Disability Swimming.

The ASA is the governing body for the sport in England. In this section you will find all you need to know about joining a club or competing in England and becoming a swimming teacher or coach.

The IoS delivers the ASA’s courses and is a member organisation. Whether you are a teacher, coach, employer or club you will find everything you need to know about qualifications or educating your workforce.

© 2011 British Swimming & The ASA. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy

Click to
Meet the Swimming Superstars

Countdown to
British Gas Swimming
Championships 2012

Click to
Share the Athletes' Journey
Close