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International athlete will share her secrets to sporting success

Middlesbrough’s swimming sensation Aimee Willmott will talk about her amazing achievements during a unique evening at º£½ÇÖ±²¥ in a bid to inspire champions of the future.

Aimee, who is studying BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise (Coaching Science) at the University, has represented Great Britain at both the Olympics and World Championships. She is Middlesbrough’s most successful swimmer since Jack Hatfield a century ago and has her sights set firmly on competing in the Rio Olympics in 2016.

Aimee will share her experiences during ‘an audience with’ event, taking place at º£½ÇÖ±²¥â€™s Centuria Building from 6.00pm to 7.00pm on Tuesday 24 September.

The free evening event will showcase Aimee’s career, highlight the local expertise she has been able to access and demonstrate how she has been able to continue her education while enjoying international success as an athlete.

Among the audience will be young athletes on the Future Champions scheme. Future Champions has been designed to support the Tees Valley’s talented athletes and players participating in regional and national squads. The programme, for 12-18 year-olds, is a partnership between º£½ÇÖ±²¥, Tees Valley Sport, National Governing Bodies and Darlington, Middlesbrough, Stockton and Redcar and Cleveland councils.

Aimee, a member of Middlesbrough Amateur Swimming Club (MASC) since the age of eight, is also part of º£½ÇÖ±²¥â€™s elite athlete scheme, which offers specialist support, coaching and mentoring to athletes of international calibre.

London Olympian Aimee said: 'I couldn’t do what I do without all the help and support I get from MASC, Middlesbrough Council, º£½ÇÖ±²¥, Studio 21 and many others, including my friends and family. It’s a team effort.'

Matt Wright, Sports Development Officer (Elite Sport) at º£½ÇÖ±²¥, added: 'Aimee has achieved an incredible amount of international success and the University is proud to be able to play a part in that. This event is a great opportunity for people to hear about what it takes to become an international athlete and what support is in place.'

An audience with Aimee Willmott is a free event open to anybody with an interest in swimming or elite sport. To book a place, email s.panayi@tees.ac.uk.

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