TOKYO 2020 Olympics - Team GB's Matt Richards

An 18-year-old discusses their journey towards becoming a professional swimmer amidst the challenges posed by COVID-19. Initially focused on A-levels at a boarding school, the pandemic disrupted their education, leading them to prioritize swimming. They practiced in a home pool during lockdown and later trained in Bath. Despite initial resistance from their headteacher mother, they decided to focus on Olympic qualification, believing the decision has paid off.

What was the speaker's initial reaction to the shift to remote learning during the pandemic?

• They were unmotivated and preferred to focus on swimming.

• They were indifferent and continued with their studies.

• They were excited to study from home.

• They immediately adapted and excelled in remote learning.

How did the speaker manage to continue swimming during the pandemic?

• They stopped swimming altogether.

• They traveled to a nearby city to swim.

• They set up a pool in their garden.

• They joined a local swimming club.

What was the speaker's lifelong dream?

• To become a professional swimmer.

• To become a head teacher.

• To travel the world.

• To become a famous artist.

What was the speaker's mother's profession?

• A school teacher.

• A professional swimmer.

• A swimming coach.

• A head teacher.

What was the outcome of the speaker's decision to focus on swimming?

• It was a failure and they regretted it.

• It paid off and they were successful.

• They decided to return to academics immediately.

• They were unable to qualify for the Olympics.