Blog
My Artistic Swimming Journey: From Passion to Coaching and Beyond
For as long as I can remember, I have always loved being in the water.
I was that kid who spent every swimming lesson underwater. Much to my parents’ amusement, they used to call me their little ‘water baby’ or ‘mermaid.’ While I loved the water, I had dreams of being a ballet dancer, just like Angelina the ballerina, and of course, because all my friends at school were doing it. But I will be honest... I wasn’t the best at it. My coordination was all over the place, and I couldn’t even spin in the right direction! So, my parents thought maybe dancing wasn’t the sport for me and suggested I try swimming, as at least I was already pretty good at it. But nope, I wasn’t having it. My mum then found artistic swimming, a sport that was a combination of the two. Fast forward around 17 years later, after my first lesson, I think it’s safe to say that I found the sport for me. Little did I know, the sport I started at 9 years old would evolve into something much bigger, taking me to national and international competitions and eventually to where I am today.
The Spark That Ignited My Passion
After spending a few years learning the main skills and competing in regional competitions, I realized I wanted to pursue the sport more seriously. This led me to train with two different clubs—one in my hometown of Gateshead and another in Leeds, two hours away. The City of Leeds club brought together athletes from across the Northeast, offering intensive training on weekends and during school holidays to prepare for national and international competitions. It was here that I truly progressed in the sport, surrounded by like-minded athletes who shared my passion and dedication.
From Competitor to Coach: A New Chapter
After years of competing and experiencing both highs and lows, my local club offered to support me through my coaching qualifications. While completing the course, I discovered a deeper love for coaching than I had ever expected. It gave me the opportunity to share my passion for the sport with the next generation of swimmers, inspiring and guiding them in their own journeys.
While studying at university, I volunteered at both my local club and the Leeds club, assisting with training and mentoring younger swimmers whenever possible—all while continuing my own training. Balancing academics, work, coaching, and a social life was challenging, but I enjoyed every moment of it. Then, in 2020, the world came to a standstill due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Pools closed, competitions were cancelled, and training routines were disrupted. It was during this time I realized I wanted to broaden my horizons and explore coaching opportunities beyond the UK.
A New Adventure in Dubai
Like I said before after months of lockdowns, I decided it was time for a change and started applying for jobs abroad. That’s when I came across an exciting opportunity in Dubai. It was a big leap, but one that completely changed my life in ways I never expected.
Leaving my hometown in the northeast of England for the fast-paced, high-energy city of Dubai was a massive culture shock. The towering skyscrapers, the never-ending buzz—it was a world away from what I was used to. Adjusting wasn’t always easy, but the excitement of a new adventure, along with making friends who were in the same boat as me, made it all so much easier.
What really made Dubai feel like home was the amazing swimming community I became a part of. Connecting with other artistic swimming coaches from different clubs helped me settle into my role, and being surrounded by talented coaches from other swimming disciplines at Hamilton Aquatics gave me a real sense of belonging. We all had similar journeys, which made it even more special.
What is Artistic Swimming?
Artistic swimming is like a mix of gymnastics, dance, and swimming—all happening in the water. Think of it as a kind of water ballet, where athletes move in perfect sync, pulling off routines that take serious strength, flexibility, and endurance. It looks graceful, but don’t be fooled—this sport is anything but easy. Imagine holding your breath while flipping upside down underwater, keeping perfect timing with your teammates, and making it all look effortless. That’s the magic of artistic swimming. It’s not just about the moves; it’s about storytelling, creating something beautiful, and making it seem smooth—even when every muscle is burning.
What really makes this sport standout is the bond between teammates. You spend hours training, competing, and experiencing the highs and lows of the sport together. The friendships that come from this are truly special.
A Sport, A Family, A Life
Looking back, I feel grateful to have found this sport and for the role it has played in my life. Artistic swimming has taught me so much—lessons that go far beyond the pool, like teamwork, discipline, resilience, and how to keep going even when things get tough. But more than anything, it’s connected me with incredible people who share the same love for the sport. That’s what makes this journey so special.
The Future of Artistic Swimming
Artistic swimming in Dubai is still growing, but the future looks promising. More clubs, more competitions taking place each year, and new athletes are coming through, giving the sport the momentum it needs. I’m proud to have played a small part in its development here and can’t wait to see how it continues to evolve over the coming years.