Under the microscope

CAN YOU RUN UP THE STAIRS?

YES, I do it all the time. Given I spend ten hours a week in the gym and 25 hours training in the pool, I’m pretty fit.

GET YOUR FIVE A DAY?

DEFINITELY. I have two vegetables every meal, even breakfast, when I might have tomatoes and mushrooms. Overall I probably get ten portions of fruit and veg a day because it’s healthy fuel. On average, I can eat 6,000 calories a day, 8,000 if I’m training for a major event. Steak is my favourite food.

ANY VICES?

DESSERT! Flapjacks and custard are my favourites or anything with chocolate.

EVER DIETED?

NOT to lose weight, but when I’m getting geared up for an event the main difference is that I focus on organic, wholefoods and eat at regular intervals rather than having big meals. I’m 6ft 3in (1.91m) and I weigh 14 st (89kg).

WORST ILLNESS OR INJURY?

AS I am a breaststroke specialist, the ligaments in my knees get put through a lot of strain. Part of the reason for my success is that I have hypermobile joints like Michael Phelps — all my joints can move beyond the normal range. This gives me an advantage as greater flexibility in my knees translates into faster, more efficient movements. However, it could also make me more susceptible to joint pain as I get older.

POP ANY PILLS?

NO, I don’t see the need to.

EVER HAVE PLASTIC SURGERY?

I’M TOO young to have those concerns.

HEALTH BOOK THAT CHANGED YOUR LIFE?

I DON’T read many books because I don’t have the time. What I do a lot is go on the internet and read about the latest sports nutrition theories.

COPE WELL WITH PAIN?

VERY well. I just push through it. If I don’t feel it really burning, I’m not doing it right. The hardest part is when I push my heart rate so much my heart can’t work any harder. To do that I do 50m or 100m sprints with quick recoveries in between.

TRIED ALTERNATIVE REMEDIES?

I HAVE acupuncture about once a week. I love getting it right before a race because it makes me feel nice and loose.

EVER BEEN DEPRESSED?

IN WINTER, when it’s dark when you go to the gym or the pool and dark when you leave, it can really impact your mood.

HANGOVER CURE?

I’M NOT a big drinker — for 18 months leading up to Rio, I didn’t have a single drink. However, I did modestly celebrate with family and friends when I got back.

WHAT KEEPS YOU AWAKE?

NOTHING — I’m so physically exhausted I sleep like a baby. I’m in bed most nights by 10pm and up most days at about 5am.

BIGGEST PHOBIA?

AS A child I was scared of the water. I even hated having baths and when my parents took me swimming I just screamed. Luckily, I grew out of it.

LIKE TO LIVE FOR EVER?

I THINK if I made it to 100, I’d have had a good innings and I’d be done with life.