Claire Cashmore

1. Tell us about yourself and how you became involved in disability sport?

I have been involved in disability sport since I was 12 so that’s now 20 years. I got involved purely by chance. When we moved back from Dubai in 1999 I joined a swimming club called Wyre Forest where I competed at able-bodied competitions and it was a lady called Margaret Holmes (who’s son competed at the Paralympic Games) who put me in contact with disability swimming West Midlands. I went to my first disability nationals and the rest is history. 2. What persuaded you to give Para Triathlon a go as well after all your successes in swimming?

After Rio 2016 I decided I wanted another challenge and triathlon has always been a sport on my radar so I thought what better time to give it a go and I’m so glad I did. I absolutely love the challenge, the variety and the complete change of routine that triathlon has given me.

3. How do you split your training time between the three disciplines of Para Triathlon and individual swimming training?

I don’t really, triathlon isn't three individual sports it’s one sport that just happens to have three components I think the biggest thing is trying to balance the three elements plus the gym, but that is what I love about it as you never seem to get stagnant in one sport because you’re always using different muscles. I still swim five times a week but I would only do 90 minutes sessions rather than two hours. I will do a lot higher volume in that 90 minutes as triathlon is obviously more of an endurance sport.

4. With Tokyo being your 5th Paralympics are you looking to compete in your 6th?

Currently yes I definitely want to go on to Paris, I’m continually improving so, it would seem crazy to retire when this is the case. So, as long as I still feel the same way and I’m still happy and enjoying it, I can’t see why not!

5. What for you, is more of an achievement and why? Breaking a personal best or winning a gold medal?

Good question and one that’s a hard one to answer. I would love to say I truly believe it’s the personal best but ultimately we are all striving to win the gold medal.

6. What are your goals for the next 5 years?

Five years is quite a long time. Right now I am currently focusing on securing my qualification for next year and the lead up to 2021. But more so at this moment in time it’s focusing on day by day as we can’t really plan too far in the future currently.

7. If someone reading this is interested in taking up a disability sport, what advice would you give them? Hundred percent go for it. Disability sport changed my life, it shaped me into the confident person I am today. Even if you have no intention of competing at a national or international level it doesn’t matter, you will meet so many incredible, like-minded people who will become friends for life.

8. How much of an impact does the media have in raising the awareness of disability sport and what could be better?

A huge impact, I believe the more positive role models with a disability we can have in the media the better. There needs to be more regular coverage to maintain interest and also for the public to get to know more of the athletes and therefore want to follow their journey. Currently, it’s only every 4 years which just isn’t enough.

9. Do you have any special rituals before the start of a race or competition?

I used to run the block with my hands and feet before a swimming race to increase the sensitivity in my fingers. I don’t do anything in triathlon other than eat rice pudding before my race, but this is mainly to stop me from being sick. Haha!

10. Have you/do you do any other sports and would you think about trying them as another Paralympic discipline?

I think three sports of triathlon is probably enough! Haha! I do love skiing but I am definitely not at a Paralympic standard.