Celebrating our Olympic-related members #5

As we approach the 2024 Olympics, we continue to celebrate our Members with Olympic connections. This time, we interviewed James Hickman, a swimmer and Member since 2020. He joined Tattersalls Club to train alongside fellow swimming enthusiasts and prioritises an active lifestyle to enhance both his physical and mental health.

Check the full interview below.

What was your reason for being at the Olympic Games?

I was a swimmer, competing for Great Britain in the butterfly events - 100m, 200m and medley relay.

Which Olympics did you participate in?

I swam in? Atlanta 1996, Sydney 2000 and Athens 2004.

Do you have a highlight/most memorable moment from your Olympic experience?

Hard to pick just one, I generally say comparing Olympics is like comparing mountain climbing, was climbing Everest more memorable than climbing K2. They all have their highlights. Atlanta was my first games which is always special and where I had my best finish? (7th in the 200m Butterfly final) but Sydney was a swimmers Olympics and being at the pool on the opening night when Ian Thorpe was introduced and you could feel the hot breath of the crowd hit you in the face was a moment I'll never forget. And to wrap up my Olympic experiences in Athens, the ancient home of the Olympics felt fitting.

How has your Olympic experience benefited you in your life/career?

At the Olympics you put yourself on the line and under pressure. You say you are willing to test yourself, that you will give it 101% to try and be successful. I've taken that approach and attitude forward in life.

Who is your favourite Olympic competitor of all time?

Again hard to pick one for different reasons. Adrian Moorhouse GB Swimmer who won gold in Seoul 1988 inspired me as a 12 year old swimmer. Matt Biondi (USA) at that Games too. Micheal Phelps would be tough to leave out of the list as in addition to being in Beijing to see his 8 gold medals early in his career we trained together and raced each other.

What will you be watching at this years Olympics?

The swimming will be top of the list but when the Olympics is on I can watch anything from weightlifting to equestrian. With my previous job at Speedo we kitted out the whole Aus Olympic team (they all get Speedos) and I met many of the Aussies so although I'm a born pomm I'm barracking for lost of Aussies to do well.

Why did you join Tattersalls Club?

I joined Tatts to train with the other swimming members. There are a fair few ex-Olympic swimmers alongside some current world class masters swimmers at the club and we train together in the gym and pool and push each other along. The exercise is good but its really all about the breakfast and coffee after and some banter!

How does an active lifestyle enhance your overall wellbeing?

Without doing some sort of exercise I don't function very well. It's as important mentally for me as physically.