Nick Gillingham’s Olympic tips at Burnley swimming masterclass (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Nick Gillingham’s Olympic tips at Burnley swimming masterclass

9:52am Monday 12th September 2011 in Sport

A DOUBLE Olympic medallist made a splash at a swimming masterclass.

Former world record holder, Nick Gillingham MBE, taught 40 swimmers the art of starts and turns at St Peter’s Leisure Centre, in Burnley yesterday.

The top club swimmers, aged between 10 and 16, travelled up to 100 miles to take part in one of his two sessions.

The course, which included a two-hour pool session, a talk and a question and answer session, culminated in a chance to see Nick’s championship medals and a chance to get his autograph.

The married father-of-three from Staffordshire said: “The whole point of this course in Burnley is to offer my expertise to young, competitive swimmers striving for that Olympic dream.

“Good starts and turns are essential for success in elite swimming.

“I learnt a lot probably too late in my swimming career and I want to use these sessions to pass on my knowledge to tomorrow’s hopefuls.

“I always encourage parents to stay at the sessions because they often had to sacrifice a lot so their children can follow their dreams of swimming.

“I know my parents did, they went without a holiday and a new car for nine years to help my career.”