Anderson under no pressure on Gold Coast

Freya Anderson says she is putting no pressure on herself after fighting back from injury to compete in the Commonwealth Games.

Anderson warmed up for the trip to Australia’s Gold Coast by defending the 100m freestyle title at the British Swimming Championships in Edinburgh.

She also made her World Championship debut and won gold at the World Junior Championships during a whirlwind season in 2017.

But it’s been a tough recovery for the Ellesmere College swimmer as she battled back from an injury she picked up at the beginning of the year.

Freya Anderson
  • Age: 17
  • Club: Ellesmere College Titans
  • Coach: Alan Bircher
  • CWG: Making debut at Gold Coast 2018

She said: “Last year did not start off too well as I got injured in February which was quite a shock.

“I had to just keep managing it {the injury}. At the trials, I won that which was unexpected and then I qualified for the World Championships, which was also unexpected I did not think I would get on that.

“The World Championships gave me a lot of confidence as I finished better than I thought I would.

“Once I got the qualifying time, I just had to change my plan a bit and get my rehab stable and continue to improve my injury. To finally be here it’s like ‘oh God it’s happening’ but quite exciting.

“I haven’t put a lot of pressure on myself as I’ve been injured.  I’ll just to go out there, race and enjoy it. I’ve never been to a multi-sport event so it will be new. I just want to soak up the atmosphere, be around the team and get racing.”

Taking inspiration from Adam Peaty

Anderson is hoping the hard times – and the rise of Adam Peaty – will help inspire her to a good performance in Australia.

She said: “Swimming gives me a lot of confidence but you have to stick to it and get though the hard times.

“Getting up in the cold and the dark and having to walk down to training, that’s the hard times but it’s really worth it when the results start coming in.

“It’s insane how Adam has gone to the top and stayed there. Being around him and watching what he does is inspiring and motivating.”

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