Dearing reflects on ‘bittersweet’ Olympic debut

ALICE Dearing made history at Tokyo 2020 but was left to reflect on a ‘bittersweet’ Olympic debut.

The marathon swimmer from Oldbury became the first black female swimmer to represent Team GB at an Olympic Games when she took to the start line of the women’s 10km event at Odaiba Marine Park early on Wednesday morning.

It was a long overdue milestone and Dearing, who studied politics at Loughborough University, has spoken candidly about her desire to inspire the next generation by showing that swimming is for everyone, regardless of background.

Her place in the history books is secure but the 24-year-old was left frustrated by her performance as she came home 19th in a time of 2:05:03.2 - more than five-and-a-half minutes behind gold medallist Ana Marcela Cunha of Brazil.

“I’m pretty broken. It was really hard, a really tough race,” admitted Dearing, “I had a lot more to give than that, I’m better than that.

“It’s bittersweet - it’s incredible to race at the Olympics but I’m really disappointed with the result, I know I can do better. I want to go to Paris and have a better race, perform better than this.

“I’ve got a lot more to give and learn, this is my first Olympics, I’m definitely not done. I’ll go home, take my time to get over it and then come back stronger.”

Dearing is a founder member of the Black Swimming Association (BSA) in 2020, a charity launched to encourage more black people to swim.

And she hopes the visibility of her blazing a trail at an Olympic Games in Tokyo will be a huge benefit.

“I just want people to know it is open and available to you, regardless of your race and your background.

“Don’t let anyone tell you it’s not for you. Go chase your dreams if that’s what you want to do.”