³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ

Raise Your Game: Who inspires you?

David Davies: Haile Gebreselassie is someone who inspires me. His personality and his dedication to the sport are shown in his success. Mark Foster was also someone who inspired me as a swimmer. And of course my coach Dave Haller.

It's all about attitude, being dedicated and committed to what you do. Sportsmanship is very important. Enjoy it all and respect what you do.

RYG: Tell us about your success in Athens.

DD: It's hard to put into words. Just before I went into the water the adrenalin was flowing and I was ready to do it! It was the chance to show what I could do and I went out with nothing to lose.

I gave it all and, at the end, it was a moment of sheer joy and a big relief. I'd worked hard for it and got a good result out of it. I was so pleased! I've watched it once since on video, but that's all. The magic times are when I'm competing - that's what I train to do.

RYG: How important is training?

DD: It's a big commitment. I do two hours in the morning at 6am, and then another two hours from 4.30pm, 10 sessions a week. In addition there's core body strength work, stretching, etc.

I swim about 80,000m a week in the pool.You have to look after yourself and build in rest time. We have Sunday off, so Monday morning is always the worst part! Swimming is the most important part of it for me.

I find it easy to relax. It's important not to think about swimming all the time. I listen to music, take power naps in the day and I see friends. It's important to keep realising you've got to work hard. Everyone has bad days, you've just got to work through them.

If you don't feel like training you have to remember that your rivals around the world are working hard, and you don't want to give them an advantage! If you don't train then the guilt trip after is very bad. I always feel I should have gone!

RYG: What can't you do?

DD: I can't cook, I can't iron, I can't wash clothes, can't make my bed...

RYG: What advice would you give to others wanting to be like you?

• You can have talent but without the work ethic you won't be successful.
• Stay away from negative things which demoralise you.
• Team support is important. The team can pick you up and help you. But when you are in the pool it's down to you, and you need to be totally focused and do it for yourself.