Willmott’s emotional Rio selection
UK F-Teamer Aimee Willmott will compete in Rio.
Funkita F-Team swimmer Aimee Willmott admits that booking a spot for Rio was even more emotional than her first. It's a big statement from a proud Brit who made her debut at London 2012. Now training at the venue where she made her dreams come true, Aimee says the pressure she felt in the build up to the 2016 British trials made securing her spot on the plane to Rio even more significant. The 23-year-old did so with a silver in the 400m individual medley at British Nationals.
"To make London 2012 was amazing, but to secure a place at Rio after all the pressure I placed on my self was very emotional. Happy emotions of course!"
Aimee, who also claimed gold in the 200m butterfly crowning her as British Champion, pinpoints her nearest and dearest as her inspiration as well as her coach Lisa Bates. Aimee's team selection continues a proud family tradition with dad Stuart having swam at Los Angeles 1984.
"When I received the Team GB confirmation email I sent it to my mum, dad, sister, boyfriend, coach, best friends and team-mates. Pretty much everyone who helped me get to Rio."
Aimee wears Crystal Clash from Luma Nation.
Aimee trains at the London Aquatics Centre and admits that getting back into the grind following trials is a lot easier with Rio on the horizon.
"I've been thinking about qualifying for Rio for almost 4 years. So I guess training is the same as always. Just now I know the goal I've been working towards is actually a reality, which probably makes things a little easier."
Aimee's typical day starts at 6am; includes pre-pool, regular swim training, 'dive gym' and dry gym workouts. Meals are planned around training, with eggs on toast a favourite for brunch and the occasional treat of a chocolate digestive biscuit. Her playlist includes Beyoncé and Eminem for motivation before a big swim. University work is never neglected (she is currently studying at the University of East London) and 10pm is a normal bedtime so she's ready for another early start and more intensive training the next day.
Aimee wears Warrior Princess from Luma Nation.
A lover of all things travel, Aimee revealed she is almost as excited about the destination as the competition itself.
"I am expecting Rio be a carnival and I can't wait for the whole experience away from home. This is the pinnacle of a swimmer's career so I want to get in and perform my best on the world stage!"
Always willing to encourage those who follow in her footsteps, Aimee hopes that Rio fever will see increased numbers of young British swimmers following her path.
"Swimming is such a great sport and it's taught me so much more than just learning to get from one side of a pool to another as fast as I can. I may not enjoy the hard work sometimes, but I love racing and I love the feeling of accomplishing something I've work for."
We're getting ready to cheer Aimee on when she steps up to the starting blocks in Rio.