Thank You!!

5 February, 2013

A huge thank you to my sports psychologist Simon Middlemas who the past four years has had to listen to me, that couldn't of been easy!

To my Sports Scientist Michael Peyrebrune who spent the past three or four years working with, it's been an honour and a laugh!

To my gym trainers Barry Winch and Andy Hall. You've both pushed me to my limits many of times and couldn't thank you at the time as I was in a lot of pain, but now I can.

To my agent, Rob Woodhouse, who I've worked with since Beijing and who understood me and my goals from day one. You've always put my goals first, thank you.

To all my swimming teaches/coaches when I was young. You made it so much fun!

To everyone in Mansfield who has believed in me from day one. It will always be my home. I'm a proud Mansfield girl!!

To my sponsors over the years. British Gas, Speedo, Cadbury's, BMW, IHG. Your support has made my life a lot easier. You've let me pursue my dreams and were there to help me in any way. Thank you!

To all my supporters and fans. You have helped me more than you realise. All the nice messages of luck, congratulations and support over the years has meant the world to me. Thank you.

To my family, friends and wonderful boyfriend. Wow. You've cooked for me, listened to me, supported me, driven me around, looked after me. I basically couldn't have even existed without you guys! You've travelled all around the world just to watch me swim. You've kept me grounded and helped in every way. You are the most important people in my life and I love you for being so selfless and just putting me first just so I can achieve my dreams. You are all incredible.

To my team-mates. Not just team mates from this Olympics, but from every camp and competition I've ever been on. Every single person has helped. Whether it's just trained together, had a laugh with, shared a room with, even just been at the same competition as. Everyone's played a part. Swimmers become like a family. We do everything together. We see each other at our lowest and highest points. I've met some incredible people that I know I'll be friends with forever. I have the best memories because of you guys.

Last but not least to my coach Bill. What a great team we made, over 10 years! I will never be able to thank you enough for everything. You've helped me so much as an athlete but also as a person. You've guided me and helped me become the person I am today. You are the best coach in the world. You are incredibly professional and talented, but your passion and love for the sport is so evident. You've always pushed me to the max. I don't even have to tell you things now as you just know. I have four Olympic medals at home now which would not of been possible if I was with any other coach. They will always be yours as well as mine. 

I wish you all the luck in the world with your new role within British Swimming as Head Coach. To me though you'll always be like a second dad to me. The hardest part of leaving competitive swimming was not working alongside you anymore and having you guiding me. 

Thank you for everything. I will be forever in your debt.