Beneath The Surface Of Masters: Sara Jarman

Over the next few weeks, the Masters Hub will be lifting the lid on the vast melting pot that is the UK Masters Swimming community and peering in for a closer look.

Look out for video interviews as well as some fantastic underwater photos courtesy of GB Swimstars.

Our first feature is with 53-year old chemistry lecturer and City of Sheffield Masters swimmer Sara Jarman…

When did you become a Masters swimmer?

I’ve been coming to Ponds Forge since the building was first built in 1991.

How often and for how long do you train?

Three times a week and for one hour each session so three hours a week. I do about 2,500m each session which is a reasonable distance and keeps your fitness up.

How do you spend your time when you aren’t in the pool?

I’m a full time lecturer in chemistry at the Sheffield College. Apart from that, I spend time with my family and like walking and seeing my friends.

What are your favourite meets?

I like outdoor swimming challenges and I’m always looking for more to try! I’ve done the Great Swim Series, the Coniston Chill Swim, the Dart 10km and the Henley Bridge to Bridge.

What is your best achievement?

I do quite well on all the outdoor swims for my sex and age although I haven’t come first yet! My favourite memory is probably doing the length of Coniston last year – the water was glass-like and it was a beautiful day with lots of friendly, happy people doing the same thing.

What do you love about swimming?

I love the feeling of freedom, just floating and moving and the feel of the water. I like the thrill of cold water as well and the challenge of making a long swim and doing it in a good time.

What do you hate about swimming?

Stopping!

What are you most proud of in your swimming life?

The fact that I have carried on with swimming throughout my life – as a child, a young adult and through pregnancies.

What are you most proud of out of the water?

My achievements as a teacher, my family and my two lovely children.

• Click here to find out how you can get involved with Masters swimming.