Home games bring golden hopes

In the first of a series of interview profiles with GB medal hopefuls in the run-up to the 2012 Paralympics in London, Paul Carter speaks to swimmer Fran Williamson about her hopes and expectations ahead of her third Paralympic Games

With six Paralympic medals already to her name, Fran Williamson is one of the leading lights of the GB swimming squad going into the Games in London next year. After picking up three silvers and a bronze in Athens in 2004, followed by a silver and bronze in Beijing four years later, the 25-year-old is aiming to go one step further and claim a gold.

Having already experienced two previous Paralympics, how does she feel about the prospect of competing in London?

“I’m both excited and nervous about competing in front of a home crowd,” she says.

“Racing at any Paralympics, representing Britain, is an honour and a once in a life time opportunity. However, I think London will be electric, knowing Britain will be there cheering us on.  

“London, if I am lucky enough to be selected, will be my third Paralympics so I am well aware of how different each Games can be. This, in itself, is exciting as the amazing feelings you get when getting to a Games are always a surprise.”

Asked about her own personal aspirations ahead of London, Fran says that while aiming for gold is always the ultimate target, performing on home soil will be just as rewarding.

She says: “Realistically, competing for my country at home will be the ultimate honour and highlight of my long career. Therefore, putting myself in the position whereby I may be able to gain a medal or two would be phenomenal.”

Fran swims in the S3 category, where competition is traditionally fierce. Who does she think her main rivals are likely to be?

“I expect Yip Pin Xiu of Singapore and Patrica Valle of Mexico to give me a great race. However, there are always newcomers or unknowns that can shock the world at the Paralympics.

“We [Great Britain] had a great world champs last year and are currently looking to push that forward into the European champs this summer. We’re in a great position as we have several young and talented swimmers moving into the squad, who are looking good to take on the world. Not to mention some senior swimmers who continue to prove their excellence.”

For many athletes, one of the most exciting aspects of having the Paralympics here at home, aside from the rare chance of competing in front of a home crowd, is the opportunity it provides to educate and inform people’s opinions of disability and disability sport.

Fran hopes that added to this, the legacy of the 2012 Games will be one that inspires other disabled people to get involved in sport and become the future generation of GB Paralympians.

“Certainly, if the Paralympics get the coverage and attention they deserve, it would be difficult for them not to make an impact on attitudes surrounding disability. Hopefully this will be true, not just for non-disabled people, but actually disabled people themselves. London 2012 will help to raise the profile of Paralympic sport, therefore, it will hopefully encourage more people to test themselves and take up a sport to see if they can achieve great things too.

“I, personally, am currently working closely with local and national businesses and charities in order to raise awareness prior to the Games in the hope that this will enhance the Paralympic profile further.”