Gemma Spofforth
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
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 | Year | Time | Medal/Position |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Olympic Games | 100m Backstroke | 2012 | 59.20 | 5th |
| 4x100m Medley Relay | 3:59.46 | 8th | ||
| 100m Backstroke | 2008 | 59.38 | 4th | |
| 200m Backstroke | 2:09.19 | 9th | ||
| 4x100m Medley Relay | 3.57.50 | 4th | ||
| World Championships | 50m Backstroke | 2011 | 28.75 | 13th |
| 100m Backstroke | 1:01.89 | 23rd | ||
| 100m Backstroke | 2009 | 58.12 | GOLD | |
| 200m Backstroke | 2:06.66 | 4th | ||
| 4x100m Medley Relay | 3:57.03 | 4th | ||
| 100m Backstroke | 2005 | 1:04.88 | 33rd | |
| Commonwealth Games | 50m Backstroke | 2010 | 28.03 | SILVER |
| 100m Backstroke | 1:00.02 | SILVER | ||
| 200m Backstroke | 2:09.08 | 5th | ||
| 4x100m Medley Relay | 4:00.09 | SILVER | ||
| European Championships | 100m Backstroke | 2010 | 59.80 | GOLD |
| 200m Backstroke | 2:08.25 | SILVER | ||
| 4x100m Medley Relay | 3:59.72 | GOLD | ||
| European Short Course Championships | 200m Backstroke | 2004 | 2.07.64 | BRONZE |
| 50m Backstroke | 2003 | 28.71 | 12th (heats) | |
| 100m Backstroke | 1:00.80 | 13th (heats) |
Domestic Events
| Competition | Event | Year | Time | Medal/Position |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| British Championships | 100m Backstroke | 2012 | 1:00.19 | GOLD |
| 200m Backstroke | 2:13.80 | 6th | ||
| 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
