Manchester 2023: joy of swimming key to Firth's success

UCFB Manchester student, Jessica Tattam, spoke with six-time Paralympic champion Bethany Firth about her journey in swimming and mentality to enjoying life between the lane ropes ahead of the Manchester 2023 Allianz Para Swimming World Championships.

Bethany Firth is a force to be reckoned with in the pool, with seven world titles and six Paralympic gold medals under her belt in a career now spanning over a decade at the top of the sport.

Firth was a late starter to swimming at the age of 13, but rapidly rose through the ranks and appeared at her first international meeting at 15 years-old, before surprising many to win a first Paralympic gold medal a year later at London 2012. For all the success in her career, Firth has been no stranger to overcoming obstacles. 

Despite an initial fear of water, Firth - who competes in the S14 class for athletes with intellectual impairments -, was primarily introduced to swimming via Longstone Secondary School and this induction into the sport became life-changing. After displaying her talents, swimming provided an encouragement for Firth to no longer be the introverted, shy girl who "hid behind her disability"; gaining confidence and growing as a person in the company of her teammates. 

At her swimming club, Firth was guided to a philosophy of enjoying swimming, with winning as a secondary priority. The multiple world record holder also credits her team for the environment in which she can maintain a positive mindset, helping her to stay healthy and remain competitive.

Despite having stood on top of podiums in major international arena's, Firth still claims to get pre-race nerves, however she has found her way to overcome them remembering her philosophy of enjoyment - rising above her nerves by seeing performance as an opportunity to display her hard work in training and her progression. 

"There always bumps along the way, it’s just about having fun and enjoying little wins," Firth said, then offering advice to those making their first waves in swimming: "There will be knockbacks but remember, everyone will overcome them, and you can do what you put you mind to."

Manchester 2023 will be the fourth World Championships in Firth's career. She will be competing in four individual events and defending her world titles from Madeira 2022 in the women's 200m freestyle S14, 100m backstroke S14 and 200m individual medley SM14.

More information about this year's Allianz Para Swimming World Championships can be found here.