Paralympic Games and World Championship gold medallist Liz Johnson is the latest world-class athlete to make the University of Bath her training base.

The 23-year-old swimmer has switched her training base from Swansea to Bath as part of her build-up towards London 2012.

Liz won gold in the SB6 100m breaststroke at the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games after taking silver in the same event at the Athens Games four years earlier.

She was also a triple gold medallist at the 2006 International Paralympic Committee World Championships in South Africa, winning the SB6 100m breaststroke title and helping Britain to gold in the 4×50m 20 points freestyle relay and the 4×50m 20 points medley relay.

Liz is part of University of Bath swimming coach Mark Skimming’s training group, which already includes two Paralympians – Beijing 2008 swimmer Kate Grey and Athens 2004 swimmer David Hill. They train in a group that also includes non-disabled swimmers.

“I trained at Swansea for six years and for two Paralympic Games. I’ve come a long way as a swimmer and become a more rounded person during that time.

“I could have stayed in my comfort zone at Swansea, but I didn’t want to go to 2012 as the same person – I need to evolve as a person and as an athlete and I think Bath is one of the best places to do that.

“It’s a new challenge here and the coaching is totally different. Everyone has been very welcoming here. It’s a great environment and everywhere you look there are decent sportspeople.”

Liz, who plans to combine swimming with a career in accountancy, is now back in full training for the first time in almost a year – she won gold in Beijing with an injured shoulder.

“It’s a good feeling to be back,” she said. “I’m feeling tired, but that means I know I’m working hard.

“Beijing was an amazing experience and to win the gold medal made it even more special,” she said.  “London is the big picture for me now. I moved here with a view to defending my title.

Liz, Kate and David have all been selected as members of Britain’s 39-strong team for the European Championships, which take place in Reykjavik, Iceland, from 18th to 26th October.

Mark Skimming will also be a member of Britain’s swimming coaching team in Reykjavik.

The University of Bath has one of the leading university sports departments in the UK. Under its TeamBath brand, its success is based on the expertise and dedication of staff, and its excellent facilities, used by the community and Olympic medal winners alike.

Members of the media who require further information can contact the TeamBath Press Office at Matchtight Ltd on (01225) 383518 or 01225 443998 or see the TeamBath website at www.teambath.com

Photo: ParalympicsGB/PA Photo

Posted: Monday 8th June 2009