Swimming star makes splash with return to competition

A SWIMMING star who represented the Team GB youth squad and European Olympics team in her teenage years is mounting a comeback.

Emma Gage - now customer service manager at QDos Fitness in Heald Green – is once again following her sporting ambition, despite taking a five year break from the pool.

As a youngster Emma’s natural ability in the water marked her out as a special talent. However, after winning a place at university she decided to focus on her studies, leaving her no time to continue training at a professional level.

But the former Bramhall High School pupil has now grabbed her second chance in the sport with both hands after an unexpected opportunity came her way.

Emma, now 26, said: “Last year, out of the blue, I received a phone call from an old team mate asking me to take part in an event representing Cheshire as they were a member down.

“I explained that I’d not swam for over four years, but agreed to take part as I thought it would be fun.

“I was a little nervous on the day, but I couldn’t quite believe how well I did! We won everything!

“And unbelievably, I even smashed my personal bests from the time I was swimming competitively and training ten times a week.”

The Woodford-born athlete took up her new role at QDos two years ago and has since been using the gym’s facilities to train in CrossFit - a sport that combines Olympic weight lifting, gymnastics, sprinting and rowing.

And she credits Crossfit for improving her performance in the pool – despite a significant break from competitive swimming.

She added: “I’d been used to swimming 80,000 metres a week – yet CrossFit at QDos has made me stronger and faster than ever – it’s amazing.

“Even my teammate, Louise Richards, has taken up Crossfit as she can’t believe how it’s improved my swimming.”

Emma’s successful return to the sport recently saw her qualify for the World Masters Swimming Championships, which take place in Russia this August.

QDos Director Adam Chapman said: “We are all so very proud of Emma and her success.

“She’s a hard worker both at the gym and in the pool – and this has paid off with her upcoming opportunity.

“We’re sponsoring her with flights and accommodation whilst she’s in Russia, so It’s a big well done from all her friends at QDos and we’re sure she’ll come home with more outstanding personal bests!”