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► HELP ON SUAU
► Gareth Jones
Name: Gareth Jones
Age: 19
Subject: Law and American Studies
Year of study: 1st
Sport: Athletics- Middle-distance running including cross-country, steeplechase and 1500m
School: Birchgrove High School, Swansea College
How long have you been participating in your sport?
I started running when I was about eight years old. I would compete for the school in regional competitions. At secondary school I started entering national and international competitions. I represented Wales in the British School Championships and the Celtic International Championships. I also got to go to Italy to represent Wales running cross-country.
What is your average training schedule?
I train at least four days a week twice a day for two to three hours. I also run on different terrains, the hills around Swansea come in useful for this and we go to the sand dunes at Merthyr Mawr. I generally train in the gym; circuits, weights and my training group have been out to the Al Garve to do warm weather training too!
What is your highest achievement in sport?
I came second in the Welsh Schools competition and 5th in the British Championships. I had to take time out from competing during high school due to a knee injury, which affected my development but now I am training hard for the 2006 British Championships.
Do you have a funding or scholarships for playing your sport?
The sporting scholarship is my only source of funding at the moment so it is really helpful. It means that I don’t have to take on a lot of part-time work, which would affect my training and studying. Obviously it is nice to be picked for a scholarship because it shows that people recognise what you are trying to do and reward you for it.
Why did you choose to come to Swansea?
I came to Swansea because the American Studies program offers an intercalurary year in an American university, which would be a great opportunity for me in terms of my degree and my athletics training. My department have been really supportive and have offered to help me select a place with a focus on sport, and with their excellent connections I’m sure I will find a place that has the top facilities and coaching programs to improve my running.
What advice would you give to students who are thinking of studying here?
Come see for yourself! Swansea has everything- amazing sporting facilities, great teaching and academic reputation too. Swansea as a city is a great place to live, especially having the beach on your doorstep.
What is your ambition for the future?
Self- fulfilment. Running is a release for me and I love getting out there and doing it. Wining competitions is an amazing high but for me the rewards come after a really hard session where you’ve pushed yourself. When its over you can sit back and relax feeling like you have achieved something.
It’s important to find a balance too. Obviously studying full time and having a demanding training schedule means that you don’t get much free time. Good time-management and a routine allow me to be more spontaneous and flexible my spare time.
Which sporting figure do you most admire?
Steve Prefontaine, an American college student who kept winning races and breaking records. He was never bigheaded or egotistical, but he was the best at what he did.
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