Craig Figes - Captain of the British Men’s Water Polo Team, powered by British Gas
With a strong family history in the water it was no doubt British team captain Craig would soon make his mark in the pool.
His grandma was a world record holder and his mum swam in the Commonwealth Games in 1966.
Encouraged by them, Craig took up Water Polo at a young age and hasn’t looked back since.
Personal Data
Date Of Birth 14th August 1978
Hometown: Bristol
Height 1.84m
Weight 92kg
Team/Club Bristol Central
Coach Cristian Iordache
Getting to know...
Greatest achievement to date: Either the bronze medal in 2002 or captaining the team.
Aspirations: To get to the Olympics.
Training Regime: Training basically in the pool and in the gym. Four to Five hours a day.
Who has been greatest influence on you: My family and early coaches in Bristol.
When did you begin playing water polo: I began when I was little, basically encouraged by my family. I come from a huge swimming family - my mum swam in the Commonwealth Games in 1966, my grandma was a world record holder and everyone in my family, even my cousins, have competed at a professional level.
Occupation: Used to be a geography teacher at Manchester Grammar School.
Ultimate relaxation: Training. I know that sounds weird but find it quite relaxing!
One thing you can’t live without: My girlfriend.
Tip for the top: Don't give up.
Life after swimming: Teaching.
Favourite sports team: Bristol City Football Club.
Favourite film: The Shawshank Redemption.
Favourite music: Anything from classical to pop.
Last book read: Geography text books
International Competition
| Competition | Year | Medal/Position |
|---|---|---|
| LEN European B Championships | 2009 | 4th |
| Lugano, Switzerland | ||
| Mithat Hantel Memorial Water Polo Tournament | 2009 | Gold |
| Istanbul, Turkey | ||
| Comen Cup | 2008 | 4th |
| Malta | ||
| LEN European A Qualifiers | 2008 | 4th |
| Dubrovnik, Croatia | ||
| LEN European B Nations Trophy | 2007 | 6th |
| Manchester | ||
