Q&A with Level 3 BTEC Sport and Exercise Science student Eve Tinsley
Level 3 BTEC Sport and Exercise Science student Eve Tinsley is making waves both in and out of the pool.
She has been swimming competitively since the age of nine, and her hard work and dedication have recently secured her a spot on Team England.
We caught up with Eve to hear about her swimming journey, how she balances training with her studies, and her exciting plans for the future.
Can you tell us how and when you first got into swimming?
I started competing in swimming when I was 9. I’d completed all of my swimming lesson badges and I had two choices, to either stop swimming completely or to continue competitively and it was one of the best decision I’ve ever made.
How long have you been swimming competitively?
My first ever national event was in open water swimming and that was in 2019. I’ve done many other National and British competitions including Commonwealth, Olympic and world trials. After making it into a British Championship final, I got put onto the Swim England talent programme where I spent a weekend in Peterborough on a training camp. As a result of this, I am now on the DISE programme (Diploma in Sporting Excellence). I’ve been on this for 2 years now and have just been selected to race at the Linkoping Water Games in Sweden for Team England.
What is your favourite thing about your sport?
One of my favourite things about my sport is how rewarding it is. In swimming you dedicate your whole life to the sport, I’m currently training 7 times week in the pool and 3-4 times in the gym, so when you see improvements and achievements it makes you feel really good about yourself. Swimming is physically and mentally draining and success in it doesn’t come naturally.
How do you find juggling your sport commitments with your studies?
I’ve always been quite good with juggling studies with my sport as I’ve had to do this from a very young age, but I also think that having very supportive lecturers that understand the struggles of balancing everything really helps.
What are you working towards at the minute?
I am currently working towards getting myself ready for the Linkoping Water Games in Sweden as I fly in just 3 weeks time. However, I’m also trying to secure qualifying times for British Nationals in the summer.
What is your proudest moment so far?
My proudest moment so far is overcoming mental health struggles due to the sport. Lots and lots of athletes go through this at some point in their career and I’m just proud of myself that I didn’t give up, even though I wanted to, when I was really struggling.
What is your favourite thing about studying at NSCG?
My favourite thing is how supportive the Sport lecturers are. They always want to know how you’re getting on and will always tailor your studies around your sport when needed.
What are your future plans for life after NSCG?
I am going to the University of Staffordshire to study Paramedic Science and I’m hoping to have a career as a Paramedic in the future.