Felicia Hull is currently in her third year studying Digital Arts at the University of Kent. She has been working at Kent Sport as a receptionist, and also with the sports development and duty teams. During the summer she will be volunteering at the Olympics, working with Team GB poolside. Kent Sport asks her about her interest in swimming.
What is your highest achievement so far in swimming?
Although I have won multiple titles for many years, including county, regionally and nationally my highest personal achievement is swimming the Solent. I swam from Southampton to the Isle of Wight. All of my training is for sprint based pool swimming not long distance open water swimming in shipping lanes and large under currents. It was really tough and I got drifted by the undercurrents and almost swam all the way round the Isle of Wight! But it was an incredible experience and achievement when I got to walk up the beach.
Do you have any aspirations in that sport?
My aspirations for swimming are the same as my aspirations for my career and life in general, to continue to enjoy what I’m doing. For me the most important thing in life is to be true to myself, to be the best version of myself, work hard and achieve my potential but most importantly to have a smile on my face.
Would you like to see a pool on campus and if so why?
I would love to see a pool on campus. It would be fantastic not only for the University of Kent Swimming Club but swimming is a very popular sport for a lot of people, from recreational all the way through to competitive level. I have been part of Kent Swimming Club for three years, during which I have represented the University at six national competitions. The club has a very restricted provision for swimming times. A pool on campus would allow the swimmers representing the University to have a much better and more beneficial training programme. Swimming is non bearing which makes it appealing to a lot of people and can be an integral part of a rehabilitation programme because of this. The ability to swim is also a life skill which I strongly feel everyone should have the opportunity to not only learn but continually improve. It would also be a great way for our fantastic university to integrate more with the community of Canterbury.
Why should others at Kent consider participating in swimming?
Have you experienced the feeling of diving into a pool? It is fantastic – that moment when you break the water. Swimming is brilliant because it’s a great sport that helps you keep fit. It is a wonderful way to relax and is great for fitness. Swimming actually uses all of the muscles in the body, it is low impact on the joints of the body and burns calories quickly. Plus you can always reward yourself with a warm shower at the end!
If you would like to enjoy some swimming this summer, why not join in with Let’s Play who will be providing sessions from 4 July – just email letsplay@kent.ac.uk for details. To stay up to date with Kent Sport news, events and special offers, Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter UniKentSports.