🚧 NSCG | Sports and Exercise Science Learner impresses in the world of…
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29th April 2022

NSCG Newcastle College second-year Level 3 Sport and Exercise Science learner, Max Wass is making a real splash in the world of swimming after competing in prestigious fixtures in the Middle East. City of Stoke (COSACCS) and Newcastle Staffs Swim Club Max, who specialises in the 100m Breaststroke, recently competed in the Middle East Open and the Junior Swimming Championships in Dubai as part of Swim England's Diploma in Sporting Excellence (DiSE) programme, who's extensive alumni include many world-class athletes such as Adam Peaty, Rebecca Adlington, Alice Dearing and Jessica-Jane Applegate.

We chatted to Max to hear all about his love of swimming and how he balances training with his studies.

Q. How old were you when you started swimming?

A. I learnt to swim around the age of six and I started competing when I was eleven. I wasn't too keen on swimming at first, but I eventually gained more confidence in the water.

Q. Were you always a natural in the pool?

A. I wasn't too keen on swimming to begin with, but eventually I gained more confidence in the water.

Q. Are any other members of your family strong swimmers?

A. My mum used to swim and we shared the same coach and club, so I guess this is where my love for swimming came from.

Q. When did you realise that you had the competitive edge over your peers?

A. I've always been a very competitive and focussed person, so this has continued in the pool.

Q. What has been your biggest achievement in swimming so far?

A. My biggest achievement in swimming would be having the opportunity to compete for England in Dubai as part of the DiSE Program. This was such an amazing experience and gave me a real confidence boost.

Q. Tell us about your training programme and how you fit this around your studies?

A. I train six times a week in 2 hour sessions unless I have a competition on a weekend. I dedicate a lot of my time to swimming to be the best I can possibly be.

Q. What's next for you competition wise?

A. A couple of weeks ago, I competed in the British Championships where I got the opportunity to compete against Olympians due to my age. This was a phenomenal experience. On 30th April, I will be competing in the Long Course Regional Championships which will be another experience to help improve my times.

Q. What are you hoping to do after college?

A. I'm aiming to progress to Loughborough University and continue my training to a higher level.

Q. Finally what would your advice be to anyone looking to compete alongside their studies?

A. It's definitely doable but you have to really manager your time really carefully, and have to want to progress in your sport.