Published on Saturday 14 January 2012 09:30
LAUREN Steadman might be juggling her 2012 ambitions with a psychology degree but the Sawtry swimmer insists nothing will stand in her way of a dream home Paralympics outing.
The 19 year-old freestyle specialist has been one of Britain’s most consistent disabled swimmers since bursting on the scene at the 2008 Beijing Paralympics, where her highest finish came with a ninth place in the 50m.
And she showed no signs of slowing down last year, finishing fourth in the 400m freestyle and 100m backstroke at the IPC European Championships as well as helping Britain claim 4x100m freestyle gold.
But despite finishing just off the podium in her individual events, Steadman can be proud of her efforts considering she was busy preparing for the start of her psychology course at Portsmouth University.
And although her academic commitments increase her workload, Steadman is vowing to prove her ability to multi-task in superb style in March’s Paralympic trials.
“This is a really exciting time for me as not only am I working towards what I hope will be an appearance at a home Games but I am also in my first year at university,” she said.
“Since I arrived in Portsmouth in September I have found the surroundings really helpful and I am on course for qualification in March.
“Although the university work is harder I am enjoying it and so far I haven’t found it too difficult to juggle my time between the two.
“In fact I have found it useful to busy myself with something other than swimming and it is a bit of an escape for me and something that ultimately helps.
“It is a bit of a challenge to do the two but it is one I am relishing and I can’t wait to show everyone just that at the trials in March.”
Despite her consistency in Berlin at the European Championships, Steadman knows her two fourth place finishes are just about the worst positions you can end up.
But she admits she is happy for that to happen now rather than further down the line in the capital when it really matters.
“Although I was pleased to finish fourth against some of the best swimmers in the world, it was also a bit disappointing as I just missed out on making the podium,” she added.
“It is always frustrating when you work so hard and just miss out on a medal by the smallest of margins but at the same time it makes you more determined to not let it happen again.
“I will be working twice as hard to make sure I don’t suffer the same fate at London 2012.”
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