'The Golden Couple'

This site is no longer updated.

2011-05-03T11:52:00.003Z

This site is no longer updated.

Sascha Kindred now has a new site which can be found at www.saschakindred.com.

Nyree doesn't have a site but will have some space on Sascha's over the next year up to London 2012 and beyond too.

Any questions please email timo@saschakindred.co.uk.

Nyree Helps Launch London 2012 Pictograms

2009-12-06T21:01:00.002Z

London 2012 organisors have marked 1000 days to go until the paralympic games by releasing the 20 official pictograms which will help with way finding at the games and will also be used as a tool to help educate people up to and during the games.

Nyree Lewis, helped launch the pictograms by modelling the official swimming pictogram last week. Click here to see picture.

"It was great to be involved in the launch of the pictograms this week," said Nyree. "It really does bring home how close London 2012 is now as there is so much happening all over the country in preperation for the games. It's very exciting."

Sascha Wins Again in Rio

2009-12-05T13:21:00.002Z

For news about Sascha's races at the IPC World Short Course Championships in Rio, go to www.saschakindred.co.uk.

Watch Highlights of the European Swimming Championships on the BBC

2009-10-27T20:10:00.001Z

That's right folks, if you can't get enough of Paralympic Swimming, the BBC have put together a highlights programme from the IPC European Swimming Championships in Reykjavik, Iceland, which will be shown on the 28th October between 12.20 and 01.10am.

So stay up late, set your Sky+ or even watch it on BBC iPlayer (will be on for one week) to see Sascha and the rest of the GB Paralympic Swim Team top the medal table in Iceland.

Click here for the link to the BBC page.

Sascha and Nyree Enjoy Success at European Championship

2009-10-25T13:51:00.003Z

Sascha and Nyree both enjoyed success at this weeks European Championships in Reykjavik, Icland, winning a total of five medals between them, with Sascha winning three Golds and one Silver medal and Nyree winning one Gold medal.

Nyree swam in her two favoured events, the 400M S6 Freestyle and the 100M S6 Backstroke. Although Nyree finished just outside the medals in the 400M Freestyle in fourth, she did swim a seasons best of 6:06.75 which was a good sign considering that training for both Sascha and Nyree hasn't been as intense this year so far. It was then a long wait until the final day of the Champoinships for Nyree's second race in the 100M S6 Backstroke. There were a few nerves before the race as there were a few new faces on the entry sheet which Nyree had not races against before. However, none proved to be trouble for Nyree as she powered home in a time of 1:27.22, just a shade outside her World Record of 1:26.90.

“I am really pleased with that performance,” Lewis said. “It has been a really long week waiting for this and I really wanted to get in there and prove that I can come back from last year and get the times this year.”

The win was bittersweet for Nyree as although she again becomes European Champion in the event, she will not be able to defend her title at the World Championships later this year after narrowly missing the qualifying time earlier this year.

You can read more about Sascha's performances at http://www.saschakindred.com/.

For further news from the Championships go to http://www.britishswimming.org/.

IPC European Championships, Reykjavic, Iceland

2009-10-19T20:12:00.002Z

Keep a look out for Sascha and Nyree at the European Championships this week.

You can find more information at the following websites:

Official Website: http://www.ifsport.is/ec2009/default.asp

Sascha's Website: www.saschakindred.com

BBC Disability Sport Coverage: http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/other_sports/disability_sport/8260749.stm

Schedule:

18th October - Nyree, 400M Freestyle
19th October - Sascha, 100M Breaststroke
21st October - Sascha, 200M Individual Medley
21st October - Sascha, 4x50M Freestyle Relay 20 points
22nd October - Sascha, 4x50 Medley Relay 20 points
23rd October - Sascha, 50M Butterfly
24th October - Nyree, 100M Backstroke
24th October - Sascha - 100M Backstroke

Coverage:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/other_sports/disability_sport/6412941.stm

Sascha and Nyree Open TPG DisabledAids 'Centre of Excellence'

2009-09-16T18:08:00.001Z

Sascha and his fiancé Nyree Lewis were in Hereford town centre today to open a 'Centre of Excellence' for TPG DisabledAids, a leading supplier of disabled and mobility equipment for Herefordshire, Gloucestershire, Worcestershire, Shropshire and Wales.

The ‘Grand Opening' of the store was marked by a special open day event which saw manufacturers and suppliers visit TPG DisableAids and exhibit their products. In addition, training courses were run for healthcare professionals to see the style of training available in the future.

Demonstrations of all the products from hoists to stairlifts and from bathlifts to scooters were run throughout the day and Sascha and Nyree were available to speak to guests.

Speaking at the event, Sascha said, “We're delighted to be opening TPG's Centre of Excellence as it will provide a much needed outlet for the vital demonstration and training of essential mobility aids and we would certainly encourage anyone that might require training or a demonstration in the use of a mobility aid to visit the store.

British Gas ASA Youth Championships Update

2009-07-30T17:47:00.003Z

This week see's Nyree and Sascha compete at the ASA Youth Championships in Multi Disability Events in Sheffield. I'll be posting details of how they swam here as soon as I can.

Tuesday 28th:

Today saw Sascha finish second in the 200M Multi Disability Individual Medley in a time of 2:44.44. Sascha finished second to Daniel Pepper (S14 classification) who set a few British Record in his classification and was closer to the S14 classification World Record, thus earning him more points than Sascha to win gold.

It was a decent swim for Sascha though who was only two seconds off his own world record in the SM6 category, a good sign of consistency with the European and World Championships taking place later this year.

Wednesday 29th:

Sascha swam a PB in this morning's heats of the 100M MD Freestyle with a time of 1.13.25. This is again great news as it's not one of Sascha's favoured events, yet bodes well, especially for the 200M SM6 Individual Medley which includes 50M Freestyle.

Thursday 30th:

Sascha won the 100M Multi Disability Breastroke in a time of 1:25.68 today. The time was just over three seconds off the World Record mark set at last year's Paralympic Games and earnt Sasch gold ahead of Mathew Whorwood and Daniel Pepper.

More results from the Championships will be posted as they come in.

For more information visit: British Swimming

Sascha and Fiancé Nyree Lewis Appointed County Ambassadors for Herefordshire and Worcestershire.

2009-07-17T12:32:00.002Z

Sascha and his fiance Nyree Lewis were officially appointed County Ambassadors for Herefordshire and Worcestershire County today as part of the County's drive to inspire young athletes within the region.

The Worcestershire and Herefordshire Olympic and Paralympic Group will be launching their 2012 Olympic Ambassador Group this autumn and Sascha, Nyree and the Hereford-based England and Great Britain blind football team will be among the county's ambassadors.

Having lived and trained in Hereford for the last three years, Sascha and Nyree have become well known within the county having appeared at various events and picked up numerous awards for their sporting achievements.

Speaking of his appointment Sascha said, "I'm delighted to be able to help the Olympic and Paralympic Group promote sport to young athletes and hope that we can help inspire them to become the next generation of sporting superstars."

Nyree said, "To be selected as an ambassador to represent our county is great. We are in a privileged position so we are pleased to be able to help in any way we can."

Nyree Honoured in Queen's Birthday Honours List

2009-06-16T12:17:00.002Z

Many congratulations go out to Nyree for being recognised with an MBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours list at the weekend. Her MBE has been awarded for her services to Disability Sport having represented Great Britain for over 10 year's now at three Paralympic Games winning a total of 9 medals including two gold.

Speaking of the announcement, Nyree said, "I'm really pleased to be recognised and wasn't expecting this at all so when I was told about it I couldn't quite believe it. I'm delighted though, as it's great to be recognised by your country for all the year's of hard work and training you put in over the year."

Well done Nyree.

Nyree and Sascha selected for European Championships

2009-05-20T13:52:00.002Z

It's great news for Nyree and Sascha as they have both been selected for this year's IPC Swimming European Championships in Reykjavic, Iceland.

They are part of a 39-strong team which features 26 athletes that competed at the Beijing Paralympics including eleven-time Paralympic gold medallist David Robert, double Paralympic gold medallist Eleanor Simmonds and five time medallist in Beijing, Matthew Walker.

The nine-day meet, which takes place from 18th - 26th October, will see a total of nine Paralympic Champions ready to test themselves against the best in European Disability Swimming.

The event will be Nyree's third European Championships having swum in her first back in 1999 in Germany at which she won a silver and bronze medal. In total Nyree has seven European Championship medals including one gold. Having been on Team GB for slightly longer, it will be Sascha's fifth European Championships having swum in his first back in 1997 in France at which he won his first ever major Championship gold medal coming first in the 100M SB6 Breaststroke. Since then, Sascha has won a further 15 European Championship medals including eight golds.

Commenting on his selection Sascha said, "It's great to be going to my fifth European Championships and to be able to defend my titles yet again. My first championships seems so long ago now but I'm more hungry than ever to add to my medal tally."

Sascha will most likely swim in the 100M SB6 Breaststroke, 200M SM6 Individual Medley, 50M S6 Butterfly and 100M S6 Backstroke at this year's championships, although this has yet to be confirmed. Nyree will most likely swim in the 100M S6 Backstroke, 200M SM6 Individual Medley and 400M S6 Freestyle.

For more information please visit www.britishswimming.org.

DSE National Results

2009-05-19T08:09:00.002Z

Here's a run down of some events from Sheffield:

In the mens MD 100M Breaststroke, Sascha collected the gold medal in a time of 1:24.58.

In the Mens MD 50M Butterfly, Sascha collected the gold medal in a time of 32.71.

In the mens MD 100M Backstroke, Sascha didn't make the final finishing ninth overall but finished first in his classifaction (S6) with a time of 1:28.00.

Although Sascha finished third overall in the heats of the Mens MD 200M Individual Medley, he was unfortunately disqualified in the final.

In the womens MD 100M Backstroke, Nyree collected the silver medal in a time of 1:29.52 and was first in her classification (S6).

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I will be posting an explanation of how MD events points and results are worked out shortly.

DSE Nationals in Sheffield

2009-05-14T17:10:00.002Z

This weekend see's the best of British and various international swimmers from around get together in Sheffield for the DSE National Championships.

The Championships are an important event for all athletes as it is a chance for athletes to qualify for the European Championships later this year.

Sascha will be swimming in the 100M SB7 Breaststroke, 50M S6 Butterfly, 200M S6 Individual Medley and 100M S6 Backstroke whilst Nyree will be swimming in the 400M S6 Freestyle and 100M S6 Backstroke.

British National Swimming Championships

2009-03-17T22:26:00.002Z

Sascha swam in his first competition of the year today at the British National Championships in Sheffield, competing against his fellow Paralympic team mates and other British athletes in the Multi Disibility 100M Breaststroke.

Sascha took the gold medal in the event in a time of 1:25.57 and took 886 points ahead of Dave Ellis in the S13 category who finished in a time of 1:11.74 scoring a total of 731 points.

Multi Disability races are often held when there are fewer athletes in the field and thus it is the closest to the World Record in their specific category that wins.

Speaking after his race Sascha said, "I'm pretty happy with my swim, especially as I've not been in full training yet. It's definitely no where near my best, but I'm sure that'll come later in the year before the Europeans."

Sascha now turns his attention to tomorrow's 200M Individual Medley race, also a Multi Disability event.

Sascha and Ny Interviewed by BBC

2009-03-04T14:01:00.002Z

Sascha and Nyree give an interview to the BBC on the back of the Herefordshire Sports Awards.

Listen here: http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/other_sports/7908639.stm

Sascha and Nyree attend Buckingham Palace Reception

2009-02-25T16:02:00.009Z

Sascha and Nyree were down in London yesterday for the GB Paralympic Team's long awaited trip to Buckingham Palace following their success at the Beijing Paralympics this year.

They and approximately 380 other athletes from the team were invited to attend the reception as well as sponsors' representatives and members of the support teams that made a vital contribution to the success of the British team's performance.

As well as the Queen and Prince Philip, ParalympicsGB Royal Patron, the Earl of Wessex and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall were also in attendance.

Commenting on the visit Sascha said, "It's always lovely to be invited to events like this and although I've been here before, the palace is a place you could come to again and again, it truly is amazing. And although I didn't meet the Queen this time around, I did speak to The Duchess of Cornwall who was at an event which I attended recently which was nice."

Nyree said, "It was great to see so many of the team in one place as often it's just us in a pool by some water. Today we've seen not only those that have won medals, but everyone who went to the games which is fantastic."

Nyree and Sascha's invites:

Sascha and Nyree in their suits:

Read more at:

Paralympics GB

Golden Couple Scoop Top Honours

2009-02-19T18:08:00.005Z

Nyree and Sascha will scoop top honours at next week's 2008 Herefordshire Sports Awards picking up the awards for Sportsman and Sportswoman of the Year respectively.

The couple will collect their awards at next Monday's ceremony at the Royal National College for the Blind in Hereford which starts at 7.30pm.

The news follows an incredible year for both Sascha and Nyree who competed in their fourth and third Paralympic Games respectively.

Sascha added two gold medals and a bronze at last year's Paralympic Games in Beijing with both gold medal swims resulting in World Record Times. The double gold made it a 'triple-double' of gold medals in three successive Games in the 200M SM6 Individual Medley and 100M SB7 Breaststroke.

Following his medal success, Sascha was awarded an OBE for his services to disability sport having dedicated over 15 year's of his life to swimming and amassing 11 Paralympic medals from four Paralympic Games in the process, the first being a silver at Atlanta in 1996.

Commenting on the award Sascha said, "Since returning from Beijing the response from the local community and Herefordshire region has been fantastic and I'm delighted to have been recognised as Sportsman of the Year.

"The last year has been fantastic for both of us, exceeding my wildest dreams and I can only hope that I continue to produce the goods for Great Britain on route to London 2012 in three and a half years time."

Nyree also enjoyed a remarkable year winning a silver medal in the women's 100M S6 Backstroke in Beijing following a gold medal and two bronze medal swims at the British Championships. Nyree's Paralympic medal tally now stands at an impressive nine including three golds making her one of Great Britain's most successful female swimmers of all time.

Commenting on the news Nyree said, "I'm delighted to be recieving this award after such an eventful year. To be recognised is amazing, especially amongst so many talented athletes whom have all done Great Britain proud."

Shortly after Beijing, Sascha and Nyree also announced their engagement much to the delight of many and about time too!

You can read coverage from the Hereford Times at: Click Here

Sascha Launches New Wheelchair Accessible Carriage on Severn Valley Railway Line

2009-02-18T18:04:00.003Z

Sascha joined wheelchair athlete and fellow Paralympic Medalist Mickey Bushell at Kidderminster Town Station (pictured below) today to launch a new wheelchair accessible carriage on the Severn Valley Railway Line.

The new carriage allows for easier access for wheelchair users and people with a disability onto Severn Valley Railway trains and is the fourth new carriage to be added to its fleet in the past year.

Sascha and Mickey travelled on the carriages maiden journey and were towed by a steam engine from Kidderminster to Bridgenorth and back. On the return journey, Sascha joined the driver at the front of the train and helped drive the train back to Kidderminster.

Commenting on the launch Sascha said, "Improving access to ensure services like this are available to everyone, including people with a disability, is extremely important to me. Severn Valley Railway's new carriage will make it easier for everyone to travel around the valley and I'm pleased to have had the opportunity to get involved."

Sascha on New Year's Honours List

2008-12-31T08:27:00.001Z

Yes, Sascha is featured on the New Year's Honours List having been awarded an OBE.

A big well done to him, an amazing achievement!

Read more here: www.saschakindred.co.uk

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-24T08:34:00.006Z

"Merry Christmas to everyone who has supported us over the last few years. We are eternally grateful for this support and hope that we have done you proud, especially over this Paralympic year. We hope you have a great Christmas and a fantastic New Year and look forward to a great 2009."

Sascha & Nyree

Exclusive: Interview with the Golden Couple

2008-12-13T00:19:00.007Z

Yes, I managed to grab hold of Sascha and Nyree for 10 minutes two days before the upcoming BBC Sports Personality of the Year awards to ask them a few questions about the awards, the past year and what they want for Christmas! Here's the interview for your eyes only....

(TK is Timo Kindred, SK is Sascha Kindred and NL is Nyree Lewis)

TK: So guys, you’re both heading to the BBC Sports Personality this weekend in Liverpool. You've been to them before right - what is it like sitting in the studio next to so many sports stars?

NL: Yeah, we’re really looking forward to it. It’s great to be recognised as being sports stars ourselves and to be invited to these kinds of events. Sitting within the presence of high profile stars is an honour.

SK: Yes. It was great going in 2004 after Athens, but this year there is an even bigger buzz about it after all the success in Beijing this year.

TK: The big question of course, who do you want to win and who do you think will win?

NL: Well, we’d both like Chris Hoy to win as he has from our point of view done the best sporting wise this year having won three gold medals. However, Sascha thinks Lewis will win as he seems to have more public support.

SK: Yes, it will be great if an Olympian gets it and Rebecca Addlington, a fellow swimmer has a good chance too. It will defiantly be those three in the top three but in what order isn’t certain.

TK: It’s funny you should say that about Lewis as there’s been a lot of newspaper polls and the majority of those have Chris Hoy ahead by quite a margin. But of course it depends on who votes. As athletes yourselves who train for four years to get to the Paralympics, do you feel the Olympians are more deserving of the award or?

SK; Yes, I guess we have a better understanding of the sacrifices that they make through training in most cases for one race, whereas someone like Hamilton can win half the races and still be World Champion. The Olympians have once chance and that’s it.

NL: But that’s not taking away anything from Hamilton’s achievements as he is the youngest ever winner of the Formula One Championships and he’s done very well. I’m sure it won’t be the last time he wins it though.

TK: Now I know everyone is expecting a certain Paralympian to possibly win the young SPOTY award this weekend?

NL: Yes, although it's not a public vote, Eleanor Simmonds will hopefully win. Tom Daley won it last year so I don't think he'll get it this year. However, Laura Robson the young tennis player who’s developed so well this year is a huge favourite. It will be amazing if a disabled athlete wins it though as it will help to promote disability sport more.

TK: I understand you get to mingle a bit with other athletes after the show. What's that like and who are you most looking forward to seeing?

SK: Yes, it’s a great feeling mingling with so many sporting stars of the past and present.

NK: I’m most looking forward to seeing everyone as it’s not something you can do every day. I would love to see David Beckham, but I don’t think he’ll be there. It would be great to see Ricky Hatton again. He's a really nice guy.

TK: I think you might just accidentally faint and handcuff yourself onto Beckham if you saw him!

NL: Ha ha. Yeah, I would run over his foot and offer him my lap to rest on!

TK: Now back to you guys. I know you've had a tough year as you didn't quite achieve the things you wanted to in Beijing, but looking back, there must be a highlight for you of the year?

NL: Yeah. If I was to pick one highlight, it would probably by the Paralympic trials where I swam great. But of course, that didn’t really materialize into what I really wanted which was gold in Athens. Perhaps I peaked to soon.

TK: If you could sum up Beijing in a sentence or two for you, what would you say?

NL: (pause). Ummm, awesome experience, disappointing performance.

TK: What did you think of the Beijing Paralympics overall?

NL: It was fantastic. The attention to detail was perfect and they put on a great games. I’ll remember it forever.

TK: And Sascha, if you had to pick a highlight of the year, what would it be, or is that obvious?

SK: Yeah, it has to be winning three individual medals for the first time at a Paralympic Games and of course defending my two titles to make it a double hatrick of medals over the last three games.

TK: Aside from your own performances, whose performance stood out for you in the swimming, GB and non GB?

SK: It has to be Eleanor Simmonds 100m freestyle for GB as she came from behind to win unexpectedly. It was a great swim. As for non-GB, it would be the American Lantz Lamback in the 100m backstroke S7 category as he broke the World Record by two seconds and beat both Andrew Lindsay and Jon Fox who were the favourites.

TK: And how about your good friend Matthew Walker? Is there anyone more deserving than him to win five medals?

SK: Oh of course. No, I think he did amazingly well. Five medals in five different events is pretty impressive. I have three and they weigh enough. God knows how he carries five around with him!

TK: Now, I hear that you've both been out quite a bit making appearances here and there. What does that involve and how has that been?

SK: Yeah, we’ve done quite a bit since we’ve been back actually. In the past week alone I’ve been to two schools in our local area in Hereford, Pembridge Juniors and Credenhill Primary. It’s been great to talk about our experiences to the children at these schools and see their faces when they see our medals. Many of them watched us on TV and know who we are which is great to hear as it means the profile of disability sport is improving.

NL: Yeah, and we’ve been to numerous award ceremonies, openings and even to the recent rugby international between Wales v New Zealand where we were introduced on to the crowd on the field.

TK: And you sat next to Joe Calzaghe yes?

NL: Oh, Joe (pause). Well, not right next to him, but I could see him and I nearly ran over his foot as well!

TK: Going back to the Paralympics, who would be your ones to watch for 2012?

NL: Louise Watkin, Eleanor Simmonds, Sam Hynd and John Fox. They’re young, will only get better and I’d expect them to be on the medal podium in four years time.

TK: And in three words max – London 2012?

SK: Bring it on!

TK: So you’re going then?

SK: That’s the aim, although as we’re getting a bit older we’ll refocus over the next year or so to ensure that we’re in the best shape when the games come around. Training takes so much out of you that it would be impossible for us to train as much as we have been doing for another four years straight. So we’ll see how we are in a year but our goal is to be there yes.

TK: Ok, a couple of different questions now. If you went to Lapland to see Santa, what Christmas gift would you bring him?

NL: But isn’t Santa the one who gives the gifts!?

TK: Yes, but doesn’t Santa deserve a little something for his hard work?

NL: Well, his elves do it for him!

All: (laughter)

SK: Ha, probably a portable heater.

TK: And what would you like for Christmas?

Both: Nothing.

TK: Nothing?

NL: Well, some GHD hair straighteners would be nice. But seriously, we don't expect much and know it's hard times for people at the moment with money so just being around friends and family will do for us.

TK: I’ll have a word with Santa. Lastly, there’s a big final on tomorrow night which I know you’re recording on Sky Plus so I won’t tell you the result when I know it, but who do you want to win X Factor?

SK: I think Alexandra is the best by far, but I’d like to see JLS win as there’s more room for a boy band out there at the moment.

TK: Hmmm, not sure I agree with that, but you heard it hear first. JLS to win X Factor! Thanks guys. It’s been a pleasure as always.

Sascha and Nyree to Swim at the Welsh Disability Long Course Championships

2008-12-09T20:48:00.005Z

Sascha and Nyree will be swimming at the Welsh Disability Long Course Championships in Swansea this weekend.

The Championships are one of the first national opens that Sascha and Nyree will be swimming in since their triumphs in Beijing Paralympics in September.

Sascha will be swimming in the 100M Breaststroke SB4 - 9 Multi Disability event on Saturday 13th. The majority of events over the weekend are multi-disability which means that athletes will be swimming against other athletes in different classifications. The winner will be the one who is closest to the World Record mark ensuring fast times all round.

In the 100M Breaststroke Sascha will be up against fellow Paralympians Anthony Stephens (S5), Matthew Walker (SB7), Matthew Whorewood (SB7), Sam Hynd (S8) and Dave Ellis (SB13).

Sascha will then be in action again in the 200M Individual Medley SM5 - SM15 Multi Disability event. Here he'll be up against Andrew Lindsay (SM7), David Roberts (SM7), Matthew Whorewood (SM6) and Sam Hynd (S8).

Nyree will compete in the 50M Freestyle S1 - S15 multi-disability event and will be hoping to put up a good showing against her paralympic rivals Fran Williamson (S3), Natalie Jones (S6), Heather Frederiksen (S6), Claire Cashmore (S9) and Jennifer Coughlin (S13). She'll then go onto swim the 200M Individual Medley S1 - S15 Multi-Disability event.

To find out more about the event, programme and sessions times click here.

In the news...

2008-12-05T11:12:00.003Z

Here are some snippets of news that I've come across about Sascha and Nyree...

Hereford shoppers get a chance to meet Paralympic Stars
Hereford Times
30th November 2008
http://www.herefordtimes.com/sport/3949260.Shoppers_to_get_a_chance_to_meet_stars/

Paralympic Stars open Christmas extravaganza
Hereford Times
30th November 2008
http://www.herefordtimes.com/news/3935010.Paralympic_stars_open_Christmas_extravaganza/

Yes, it's official!

2008-10-26T12:52:00.002Z

It's been 12 years in the marking and now it's official. Sascha and Nyree are finally getting married! Hoorah! Yes, Sascha popped the question on holiday last week and Nyree of course said yes. So many congratulations to them on their engagement. It's fantastic news. There's no talk as of yet to when it'll be, but I'm sure it won't be another 12 years until then! :)

IN THE NEWS: Hereford Times - Paralympian due saluted by county

2008-10-12T08:49:00.004Z

HEREFORDSHIRE’S Paralympic medal winners Sascha Kindred and Nyree Lewis will be the special guests at a ceremony in the county next week.

The Credenhill couple are being toasted for their swimming triumphs in Beijing at Leominster Leisure Centre.
Pupils from the Minster School will be greeting the couple on their arrival to the Coningsby Road leisure centre next Friday.

Kindred and Lewis arrived back in the country last Thursday after playing their part in helping Great Britain to second place in the Paralympic medal table.

The duo have since received a host of cards, e-mails and messages from well-wishers.The pair, who have been together for 12 years, were even treated to a free meal by a Herefordshire pub.

Kindred, 30, explained: “We had a meal at the Bell Inn at Tillington the other day and they told us it was on the house. We were overwhelmed by their kindness.”

Kindred had an outstanding Games, winning golds in the 100-metre breaststroke and the 200-metre individual medley.

He also took bronze in the men’s 50-metre butterfly.

Welsh-born Lewis, who was 28 last Sunday, won a silver medal in the women’s 100-metre backstroke.

Since arriving home, there has been little respite for the Leominster Kingfishers pair who are now taking a welcome break from their training after an intensive year.

They haven’t had time to sit down with their full-time coach, Emma Patrick, who also lives in Credenhill.

Kindred and Lewis were in Cardiff Bay on Monday for Welsh Paralympians’ homecoming.

Lewis was led to the front steps of the Senedd by a traditional Chinese dragon and received a reception from hundreds of people.

“It’s our aim to promote the Paralympics and try to encourage other people to get into sport,” said Lewis.

“We also hope to show that being disabled does not necessarily need to hold you back.”

Kindred and Lewis, who both have cerebral palsy, have been leading lights in British swimming for a number of years.

Kindred has completed a remarkable hat-trick of gold medals in the 100m breaststroke and 200m individual medley at three successive Paralympic Games.

Kindred said: “I am calling my success a triple double - and that’s what I set out to achieve in Beijing. I could definitely see myself at London 2012, but we will have to see what happens.”

Lewis was naturally upset to lose the 100-metre backstroke title which she had won at Athens four years ago.

But she said: “I am less disappointed now than when I was out in Beijing. I am proud to win a silver because it’s still a very good honour. Everyone works hard in Paralympic year and to go to the Paralympics is the highest achievement in our sport. That was my third Paralympics and it was by far the best. The standard of competition in the pool was awesome and the Chinese put on an amazing show.”

The couple made Herefordshire their home in January 2006 and both paid tribute to their coach and Halo Leisure for giving them valuable pool time.

Kindred added: “We like it in Herefordshire - we like the rural life and the fabulous countryside. The people are very friendly too and have a lot of time for us.”

l Watch a video interview with Sascha Kindred and Nyree Lewis at: herefordtimes.com.

http://www.herefordtimes.com/sport/other/3702471.Paralympian_duo_saluted_by_county/

SASCHA SECURES DOUBLE HATRICK AND NYREE WINS SILVER!!!

2008-09-11T03:08:00.004Z

Dear All,

Sorry for not writing sooner, but it's been a bit manic over here in Beijing. I'm currently sitting in the GB Paralympic Lodge within the Crown Plaza Hotel behind the 'Birds Nest' with Sascha peering over my shoulder wearing one of his two Gold Medals. Yes, TWO GOLD MEDALS, and both done in World Record times. So he's now secured a 'double hatrick' by winning his two main events in Sydney, Athens and Beijing. Yes, it truly is amazing. I can't quite believe he won both races in World Record times either as he wasn't sure if he could go faster but it's amazing how deep you can dig sometimes for those extra reserves. It's especially great as it's been a long standing joke that I've never actually seen Sascha break a World Record since he began swimming so had always heard about them over the phone. I'd say that he should go slower and break the record at the big games when I an Beatrice are there but you can't really plan for that. But finally we've seen not only one, but two World Records!! And what makes it all the more amazing is that Sascha has actually been poorly since a couple of days before the 200m Individual Medley which was now last Sunday (5 days ago).

On top of that, Nyree has won a further medal, coming second in the 100m Backstroke and securing Silver. I know that Nyree is a little disappointed with this result as she was expecting gold but a Silver medal is a Silver medal and a great achievement too and we're all ecstatic about the result. We know Nyree has it in her to do well in her other events too and will be screaming our lungs our for her over the next few days.

Nyree as well as Sascha have two more races each to go so there's still opportunities to pick up further medals over the next few days starting Nyree in the 100m SB5 Breaststroke tomorrow (Friday) and Sascha in the 50m Butterfly on Saturday.

So, it's a big well done to them from us here and I'm sure all of you there and a big thanks for all the congratulations messages from us and him and Nyree to you all.

I've not been able to update Sascha's site over here I'm afraid so there won't be any updates on that until I get back unfortunately but I'll be writing something up a bit more detailed when I return and also posting lots of pictures of course!

I've heard that I, Simon, Suzy and Sam have made a few appearances on the telly ourselves so apologies if we've caused any malfunctions on your televisions whilst we've been on! :o) If anyone does have sky plus or can record any of the footage we'd all be very very grateful.

Aside from that, everything is pretty good over here. I will try to update more soon.

Timo

The Schedule...

2008-08-29T16:15:00.001Z

Sascha Kindred and Nyree Lewis will be swimming on the following dates:

Sunday 7th September
Sascha - 200M SM6 Individual Medley (1) – WR Holder and Defending Champion
Nyree - 200M SM6 Individual Medley (2)

Tuesday 9th September
Sascha – 100M SB7 Breaststroke (1) – WR Holder and Defending Champion
Nyree – 100M S6 Backstroke (1) – WR Holder and Defending Champion

Friday 12th September
Nyree – 100M SB5 Breaststroke (2)

Saturday 13th September
Sascha – 50M S6 Butterfly (2) – European Record Holder

Sunday 14th September
Nyree – 400M S6 Freestyle (2)

Monday 15th September
Sascha – 50M S6 Freestyle (8) – British Record Holder

The numbers in brackets are their world rankings so as you can see they have a pretty realistic chance of defending some, if not all, of their titles from Athens four years ago I which Sascha won three medals (two gold and one bronze) and Nyree won five medals (two gold, two silver and one bronze).

BBC television coverage of the Paralympics will be more extensive than ever with coverage being streamed live for six hours a day through the red button (interactive) and via broadband. They will have heats in the morning (heats begin at about 03:00 GMT) and finals in the evenings (begin at about 10:00 GMT). Daily highlight programmes on the BBC will be shown between 1900 and 2000 and will also be available on iPlayer.

Any questions feel free to ask me!

Timo

Good Luck!

2008-08-22T19:51:00.010Z

Well, Sascha and Nyree are finally off tomorrow and heading to Beijing. Yes, they set off with other members of the swimming team from the South of England to Heathrow tomorrow evening and head to Macau first to the training camp.

It's the same training camp that the Olympic team stayed in and the hotel is one of the best hotels in Macau and Greater China. It's called the Western Resort Macau and is situated on 150 acres of rolling greens overlooking the South China Sea (pictured below). Not bad hey!

Approximately 215 athletes and team staff will be staying at the hotel. ParalympicGB will provide a number of facilities at the hotel to make their stay more comfortable including and Athlete Lounge, Cyber Cafe, ParalympicsGB Office and Meeting Rooms.

The team will be training twice a day at the Macau Piscina Olimpica de Macau (pictured below), one session in the morning and one in the afternoon. The team will probably be glad to get into the pool as Macau's subtropical climate is very hot and humid with temperatures reaching over 30 degrees and humidity averaging between 75 and 90%.

The Team will be staying in Macau until 4 September and will then travel up to Beijing where they will reside within the Paralympic village (Olympic Village).

So that they can find their apartments more easily in the Paralympic Village, the Beijing Olympic Committee have put an iconic British red telephone box outside. I feel a good photo opportunity coming on!! The Paralympic village is located at the northern end of Beijing's north-South "Central axis." It covers 66 hectares and lies adjacent to the Olympic Forest Park South. It is also an alcohol free village - take note athletes!!! :o)

The apartment blocks are home to thousands of athletes and staff during the games and will be a really exciting place to be. Each country is designated an apartment block with all athletes and staff from that country staying together regardless of their sport. The Food hall is open 24 hours a day and is a great meeting place for athletes. The village also boasts other facilities including a sports centre, an outdoor 50m pool, tennis and basketball courts, Internet cafe, DVD lounge and games room, medical centre and a sports information centre.

The national aquatics centre is situated 2.5km from the village and holds 17,000 spectators. The competition is venue is a 10 lane, 25 x 50 m pool. Only eight lanes of the pool are used in competition.

So there you have it. A few details about what they are doing and where they will be staying.

I'm heading out to Beijing on the 4th with a few friends and mine and Sascha's mum. We're all heading to the opening ceremony on the 6th although Sascha and Nyree unfortunately won't be there as they are swimming the next day. It was the same in Athens though and the opening ceremony is a spectable enough in itself - I'm so excited!!!

Anyway, GOOD LUCK to both of them and here's looking forward to seeing the bacon (medals) out there and when they return.

Rankings

2008-08-17T10:02:00.005Z

As we're now less than three weeks away to the games, I thought it would be useful to create a list of where Nyree and Sascha are currently ranked in the world (as of July 2008) in the events they are going to swim in.

Nyree Lewis

100m Backstroke S6 - Rank 1 - World Record Holder (1:26.90)

100m Breaststroke SB5 - Rank 2
200IM SM6 - Rank 2
400m Freestyle S6 - Rank 2

Sascha Kindred

100m Breaststroke SB7 - Rank 1 - World Record Holder (1:22.77)
200IM SM6 - Rank 1 - World Record Holder (2:43.09)

50m Butterfly S6 - Rank 2 - European Record Holder (32.49)

50m Freestyle S6 - Rank 8 - British Record Holder (32.11)

Here we can tell that Nyree and Sascha realistically have a chance of winning 7 medals between them. It will be slightly tougher for Nyree to win in some of her events as she has some tough competition from her British team mates Natalie Jones and Eleanor Simmonds, but she's swimming well at the moment so she'll definitely fancy her chances of beating them. As for Sascha, it would be difficult to see past him for the 100m Breaststroke and the 200m Individual Medley, and he has a really good chance of claiming a third gold at the same Paralympics for the first time ever in the 50m Butterfly thanks to a change of training since last year.

We'll of course be losing our voices on the sidelines cheering them on and hope you will be too on the television if you aren't heading over. I'll be posting some information about television coverage soon so look out for that.

Lego Village

2008-08-17T08:54:00.004Z

Lego, it's a wonderful thing. I remember playing with lego for years when I was younger, building castles, playing out wars between Robin Hood and Darth Vadar and pretty much build anything out of it. The best thing I ever built was a an exact copy of the stealth like helicopter from the television show Airwolf. And I mean exact copy. It was shaped to perfection with the most aerodynamic (not that I new much about aerodynamics at the age of 10) front that you could ever imagine, flying at speed through great grand canyon like valleys (my duvet) and shooting down bad guys (moustache wearing lego men) with consummate ease.

Of course, although i still play with lego only every other weekend now (!!!), I can still see the beauty in it and was really impressed when I saw an article in the Daily Telegraph about a detailed lego replica of the Beijing Olympic site (see link below). I mean, how cool is that?

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/howaboutthat/2498015/Lego-model-of-Beijing-Olympic-village-built.html

I wonder if it was cheaper to make than the real thing!?

Personally I would have loved to go and visit it but unfortunately it's only showing at the Grand Century Palace in Hong Kong until August 31st (we're there in late September) so it won't be possible. If you do go and see it, please send me some more photos as I'd be interested to see more pictures.

Media Coverage Survey - Your Help is Required!

2008-08-07T09:28:00.004Z

A while ago I created a survey to get your views about media coverage of disability sport. I got some good responses but would like to make it more substantial, especially as we are just coming up to the Paralympics which will start on 6th September 2008.

Therefore, I'd be really grateful if you could take a look at the survey and give your honest opinion to the answers. I've had a few interesting ones so far and will of course be giving my own views on the matter in the coming weeks.

So, if you have a little time on your hands, please go to the survey which you can find at: Disability Sport and Media Coverage Survey.

There are only 10 questions so it should only take you 5 - 10 minutes.

Any questions at all please ask me.

New Website Coming Soon!

2008-08-05T08:31:00.003Z

For all those keen to find out more about Sascha I will shortly be creating a website for him which will be located at www.saschakindred.co.uk (although I've bought the domain name it's not live yet) and will feature much more information about Sascha himself including a number of different pages including:

A biography on Sascha
A timeline of events
A full history of medals and records
Questions and Answers page
News page plus link into the golden couple blog
Images and videos
And much more

Of course the site will feature Nyree on it as well but the main focus will be on Sascha as he is especially keen to further expand his training and speaking possibilities post Beijing.

I plan to get it up and running before the Paralympics start on the 6th September so watch this space before then and if you have any comments or would like to see anything in particular, let me know at kindredtk@hotmail.com.

In the News...

2008-08-01T10:43:00.004Z

Here's a snippet from the local paper 'The Crawley News' where my mum lives about Sascha heading to Beijing.

The Crawley News have been great with writing little bits and bobs about Sascha since we originally moved there way back in about 1998 so a big thanks to them for keeping track of him.

I'll be trying to post more regular updates over the next two months, although admittedly it might be a bit tricky when I'm over in China due to web access, but i'll try my best and will also do a full round-up of everything afterwards.

A little update...

2008-07-06T13:46:00.004Z

...from Sascha and Nyree:

"Recently we were invited to a local private school called Lucton to meet Prince Edward who was visiting the school due to the pool being in his name and it being 300 years old. We opened the pool last year, which is why we were invited back and we also know of Prince Edward because he is the patron of the British Paralympic Association. This week we are again returning to Lucton School to present awards at the school swimming gala. Here we will be like celebrities, presenting medals and chatting with the children.

This weekend we were up in Manchester training with GB coach Lars who will be our coach for the Paralympic games. It was a good chance to get some work in with him and to also get some practice on the starting blocks that are similar to those that will be in Beijing. With us now only having 7 weeks left until we leave for the holding camp, everything counts.

In 3 weeks time we will be off to birmingham for a weekend with the entire GB team to have interviews, pictures, get our kit and enjoy an evening of entertainment as its the last time the team are together before we leave. It's a chance to get the final preparations outside of the swimming training sorted ready for the games, team photographs will be taken and a evening meal with entertainment and fashion show with a few athletes from each sport wearing their technical kit. This should be a good laugh.

A few days after this weekend we have our last chance to compete before the games, with the Youth Championships up in sheffield. We are only competing in 2 events so that we are not missing any vital training needed for the games.

Then it will be just 3 weeks of training at home with our coach before we fly out to Macau."

Watch Sascha and Nyree on BBC iPlayer

2008-05-12T18:38:00.002Z

Hi all,

Just thought i'd let you know that if you missed Sascha and Nyree swimming at the weekend, or any other athletes, there's no need to worry. Thanks to the BBC's iPlayer, you can watch it over the next 6 days to come at the following link:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/page/item/b00bbpss.shtml

You'll find Nyree's race at 12 mins 48 seconds.

Sascha swims at 49 mins 40 seconds.

Sascha Secures Third Successive Paralympic World Cup Gold, Nyree Wins Silver

2008-05-11T12:58:00.003Z

Sascha and Nyree both raced in the 200m individual medley yesterday classification SM6.

Nyree, who is currently ranked 3rd in the world, finished in the silver medal position behind team mate Natalie Jones, ranked number one in the world. It was always going to be tough for Nyree, but she finished strongly to secure silver in a race which saw Natlie lower her own World Record in the event from 3:16.70 to 3:15.72.

Sascha was looking for his third successive Paralympic World Cup Gold and started strongly turning nearly 1 second ahead at the half way mark. He then pushed on further in the last 100 metres to finish 4 seconds ahead of the field with a time of 2:45.00, just over 1 second off the world record of 2:46.20 which he set earlier this year.

Both races should be shown on the BBC later in the UK between 4pm and 5.50pm.

Links to other website articles:

Paralympic World Cup News

British Paralympic Association News

BBC News

British Swimming

The Paralympic World Cup

2008-05-10T08:03:00.004Z

You may have noticed that this year's Paralympic World Cup is well underway. With four sports on show including cycling, swimming, athletics and basketball, there's plenty of action to keep even the most hardened sports fan satisfied.

The World Cup takes place over the space of 4 days and is in it's 4th year. It is, at the moment, held in Manchester each year, although after time I believe it will be held in other locations around the world as the popularity of it grows. The idea behind it was to have a regular world cup in which athletes could compete as there was not a regular competition each year and some years could see athletes without a major championships to compete in.

Sascha and Nyree swim today at the Aquatic Centre in Manchester and you will be able to see highlights of the swimming and other sports on BBC2 between 4:00pm and 5:50pm. They will both be competing in the 200IM S6 category.

For further details about the Paralympic World Cup visit: Paralympic World Cup

In the News...

2008-05-08T08:59:00.003Z

An article from the Crawley News...

Sascha and Nyree make GB Squad for Beijing

2008-05-05T10:41:00.002Z

Yes, as expected, Sascha and Nyree have made the GB Squad for Beijing this summer. Even though it was expected, it's great to hear that final confirmation so that they can now fully focus on training for the event and peaking at the right time. And of course, it's also great news for me and my friends who are going out to support them and the rest of the GB swimming team.

Sascha spoke about the confirmation saying, "I think the experience I have gained from the previous Games will help this year," said Kindred, who won gold in the SM6 200 IM and SB7 100m breaststroke in Athens and who will be appearing in his fourth Paralympics in Beijing.

"My first Games in Atlanta was a real shock and I didn't know how to prepare myself for competition but now I know how to stay focused on the task in hand.

"I am looking forward to being able to pass on my knowledge and experience to the younger athletes."

The full squad is:

Men:

James Anderson (Broxburn), James Crisp (Nottingham), Gareth Duke (Cwmbran), Graham Edmunds (Swansea), David Ellis (Derbyshire), Jonathan Fox (Cornwall), Sean Fraser (Midlothian), Sam Hynd (Mansfield), Sascha Kindred (Hereford), Dervis Konuralp (Hackney), Andrew Lindsay (Cowdenbeath), Simon Miller (Manchester), David Roberts (Cardiff), Anthony Stephens (Swansea), Matt Walker (Stockport), Robert Welbourn (Swansea), Matt Whorwood (Newquay).

Women:

Claire Cashmore (Kidderminster), Emma Cattle (Bedfordshire), Jenny Coughlin (Swansea), Heather Frederiksen (Leigh), Kate Grey (Bristol), Rhiannon Henry (Bridgend), Charlotte Henshaw (Mansfield), Liz Johnson (Swansea), Natalie Jones (Manchester), Rachael Latham (Wigan), Nyree Lewis (Hereford), Mhairi Love (Lanarkshire), Stephanie Millward (Chippenham), Eleanor Simmonds (Swansea), Elizabeth Simpkin (Southport), Lauren Steadman (Cambridgeshire), Louise Watkin (Surrey), Danielle Watts (Oxford), Fran Williamson (Cambridge).

Links:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/other_sports/disability_sport/7376338.stm

http://www.britishswimming.org/vsite/vnavsite/page/directory/0,10853,5157-180202-197420-nav-list,00.html?52

Sunday's Results

2008-04-30T07:44:00.002Z

Well, it's better late than never!

There's only a small amount of info to report in that Nyree swam a personal best in the 100m front crawl finishing in a time of 1:23.91 which is excellent. I'm told that most of the events were multi disability which means that the swimmers race in mixed events and the winner is the one that gets nearest to the world record. Although Nyree wasn't first, a pb is great and a good sign for the summer. In the 100 back stroke she swam 1:27.56 and despite long delays before her race due to the scoreboard crashing a number of times, Nyree still manged a good time and was pleased with her result.

Sascha didn't have such a good day on Sunday. In the morning he swam a time of 2:48.45 in the 200m individual Medley, which is 5 seconds off the new world record that he set a couple of weeks ago at the Parlympic trials. This is still a good swim considering it's only two seconds off his old world record and as he's pretty much miles ahead of the rest of the field. However, he did hurt his shoulder in the warm up and had to swim the heat in a bit of pain and following advice from his physio, he pulled out of the final as it wasn't worth risking a serious injury. Sascha informs me that his shoulder is feeling better now following a couple of days off training.

Watch out for the announcement of the GB Swimming team on Thursday! Good luck Sascha and Nyree x

Sascha wins 50m Butterfly

2008-04-26T08:42:00.006Z

Just to update, Sascha won his 50m butterfly event last night in 32.59 seconds. The time was 0.1 second off the new European record mark he set at the Paralympic trials a couple of weeks ago.

“That was my best swim today,” Kindred said. “I think the 50m Butterfly will now be one of the main events I will be targeting in Beijing. I claimed the European record in the event 3 weeks ago and that time was just outside that record.

This is good form and confirms Sascha's position as a real contender for gold in this event in Beijing.

Nyree performed strongly in one of her favoured events, the 400m freestyle, but she was again narrowly beaten by team mate Eleanor Simmonds who is proving to be her nemesis at the moment. Eleanor won in a time of 5:54.66, whilst Nyree took silver in a time of 5:57.17.

Both have a day off today.

more news soon...

Sascha disqualified from 100m BreastStroke

2008-04-25T11:43:00.003Z

Now here's something you don't hear about every day. Yes, unfortunately Sascha was disqualified for the 100m Breaststroke at the British International Disability Championships this morning in Sheffield. I cant' remember the last time he was disqualified and he says that it was due to an 'apparent' dolphin kick that he did on the turn when pushing off. Now i've seen Sascha swim on many occasion and know this is quite hard to do for him and he went straight to the warm down pool and tried to show the judges a dolphin kick and couldn't do it. So a little unfair me thinks.

The bad news with this is that as he didn't swim such a fast qualifying time at the Paralympic trials it will mean that he's not in the fastest heat in Beijing, although he has of course still qualified for the event which is the main thing. And as I said, he's still going in as favourite and what's gone is gone, he now has to concentrate on his next races and preparing for Beijing where he should still qualify for the final as the fastest or one of the fastest and then hopefully retain is Paralympic crown as his overall times are much faster than anyone else. It's all about peaking at the right time and Sascha and Nyree are experts at this.

Aside from that, he now swims in the 50m butterfly final tonight which he is number two in the world in and is well positioned to get a medal at in Beijing.

Nyree swims in the 400m freestyle and 100m breaststroke finals later today in which she has some tough competition against long standing rivals Natalie Jones and Liz Johnson, as well as up and coming 13 year old sensation Eleanor Simmonds.

Good luck guys.

British International Disability Championships

2008-04-25T08:32:00.004Z

Sascha and Nyree will be swimming at this weekend's British International Disability Championships at Ponds Forge in Sheffield.

Other British contenders to watch out for during the event will be Paralympic Games medallists David Roberts, Natalie Jones, Liz Johnson and Gareth Duke as well as youngster Eleanor Simmonds who will be looking to record qualifying times for the Beijing team.

Although Sascha and Nyree swam very well a few weeks ago at the Paralympic Trials, the event is another opportunity to gain qualifying times for Beijing or indeed cement their positions for Beijing and get another psychological edge over their rivals.

News:

News from the BBC

News from British Swimming

News from the British Paralympic Association

Did you know?

2008-04-22T19:11:00.002Z

...that there is a band out there called 'SKindred'!

Ha, i bet you didn't did you?

Well, I found out recently after my good friend Katie told me so I decided to do a bit of research on them.

For those that don't know, the actually have their own myspace site which can be found at: http://www.myspace.com/skindred.

They are a four piece band from Newport, South Wales, UK. Their genre is a mix of metal, hip hop, reggae, and dub known ad 'Ragga Metal' by the band and fans alike. Not particularly my thing, but they seem pretty good at what they do! (I sound like a real pro music reviewer huh!!!). Perhaps Sascha should be listening to SKindred permanently on his I pod and then he'd slash his World Records even more!

More News....

2008-04-10T21:33:00.002Z

Ever since our mum moved to Crawley in West Sussex, the Crawley newspaper has covered how Sascha has done in the majroity of his major events. Here's a snippet from Wednesday's papers:

Olympic/Paralympic Trials Coverage

2008-04-09T19:30:00.003Z

Here are a few bits of news that I saw on the paralympic trials:

BBC - In-form Kindred sets world record:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/olympics/swimming/7333760.stm‏

British Swimming - KINDRED LOWERS WORLD RECORD TWICE:

http://www.sportcentric.com/vsite/vnavsite/page/directory/0,10853,5157-180202-197420-nav-list,00.html?52

Olympic/Paralympic Trials April 2008

2008-04-07T19:01:00.003Z

With the Paralympics only 5 months away now the trials have begun, our first trials were incorporated with the Olympic trials where we swam with the likes of Liam Tancock, Gregor Tait who were also trying to qualify.

This was going to prove to be a long week and felt we could both qualify here and therefore take the pressure off when we go into the Disability International (paralympic trials 2).

Day 1

Nyree – today was the 400freestyle an event where I did a personal best of 5.50 only 3 months ago so I knew I was on target for another good swim. I went out in world record split at 200metres and went on to break the world record in time of 5.48.71. but this only gave me second place as a young Eleanor Simmonds went 5.48.26 to also break the world record.

Day 2

Sascha – 100breaststroke I haven’t felt confident on my breast for the past 9 months so was not looking forward to this race. I went 1.25.96 in the heat and 1.26.03 in the final which scraped me under the qualifying time which I would normally have done in my sleep. It still managed to win me gold in the Multi disability event but I am not pleased with my time.

Nyree – 100 breaststroke, normally an event I don’t usually like to swim, my heat swim was solid and a time I have not done for a while.. The final was much better being 1.50.10 which is best I have swum since 2004. After finishing 5th at the World Championships this puts me back into 2nd place on the rankings.

Day 3

Sascha – 50m butterfly – this was the first day where I tried out the new Speedo LZR Racer a swimming suit which has been designed by Speedo and helped by NASA. I knew my training had been going well in all my strokes besides breaststroke so I was feeling confident. I managed to stop the clock on 32.49 which set a new European Record and ranks me 2nd in the World behind Li Peng of China on 32.37. I now have an opportunity of racing for 3 gold medals in Beijing.

Day 4

Nyree – 100m Backstroke – This being my main event always seems to put more pressure on for me to perform. In the heat I swam a good time of 1.28.9 being 1 second outside my world record despite the fact it felt dreadful. So I knew going into the final I should be able to go quicker. In the final I tried out the new LZR Racer suit with a zip back which I normally never wear but glad I did as I broke my own world record to go 1.26.90. This certainly gives me confidence for the games.

Day 5

Sascha - 50m freestyle – well my sprint swims seem to be going well and I knew going into this I knew I couldn’t let my freestyle be slower than my fly. I managed to swim 32.18 in the heat and smash the british record with the first person in my class to be under 33 seconds. I also qualified for the final which I normaly never do on 50freestyle at multi disability events. In the final I stepped up again and swam 32.11 to set my 2nd british record of the day.

Day 6

Sascha – 200IM – Well now I feel this is my No.1 event and I had to put all my good sprint swims together to make a good 200. In the heat I put pressure on myself to swim strong but also conserve a little energy for the final. I swam 2.46.10 knocking 0.10 off my previous world record and felt strong enough to go faster in the final. Lining up the final I felt really confident that it was time to take a big chunk off my PB. I went out hard and held on throughout the swim stopping the clock at 2.43.09 knocking 3 seconds off my previous world record. I felt this was my best swim of the meet and know that my training is on the right track towards Beijing.

Nyree – 200IM – this event was going to prove to be very intense, with only 3 places on the Beijing team and 4 class S6 swimmers someone will be missing out come September. In the heat I went 3.22.9 which is 2 seconds slower than my best, however it was the final that proved to be a race to watch. With Natalie and Liz one end of the pool and myself and Eleanor simmonds the other end we knew we had to be fast. It was a nerve racking swim to do and for my coach to watch but with Natalie touching in 3.17.50, Eleanor 3.19.19 and myself 3.19.79 ( a 1 second pb) it meant liz Johnson in 3.20.48 being the 4th swimmer. Unfortunately we will not be sure the outcome of this race until after next trials as everyone knows anything can happen.

Overall Sascha hit 3 qualifying times for Beijing and Nyree hit 4. Throughout the meet 18 girls and 15 boys hit qualifying standards and have put their names on the nominated list for Beijing. Note that the qualifying times are based on 3rd in the World so they are very tough and everyone who has qualified are potential medallists.

However the official team will be announced after our second trials at the end of this month. So watch this space.

"We hereby certify...

2008-02-10T11:26:00.000Z

...that the image of Sascha Kindred Punching his fist into the air with delight after winning the 100M Breaststroke final at the Sydney Paralympics in 2000 will be used on all World Record certificates issued by the International Paralympic Committee."

Yes, Sascha and Nyree were down this weekend to see the dreaded dentist near our mother's in Crawley that they've been going to see for a few years now so they popped by to see me and Sascha proudly showed off one of his latest World Record Certificates which has a number of swimmer images on. One of them is of him and will now appear on all certificates for the forseeable future. Very cool huh!

At first I didn't see the picture of him and my reaction was something along the lines of, "oh, another World Record? So, what are we doing tonight then!!"

Anyway, here's an image of the certificate so you can see what one looks like. This one was achieved in the 200m Individual Medley SM6 event in November of 2007.

Happy New Year!

2008-01-06T13:52:00.000Z

Hello and a Happy New Year to one and all! I hope you are well and enjoyed a good break over the festive period.

So, we're now into 2008 can you believe it? Already another Olympic and Paralympics games approach us swiftly and is enough to make all us sports fan salivate at the thought of watching non-stop sport during the summer on tv. You're all aware of Homer Simpson right? Well, you know when he starts dribbling at the thought of the simple things in life, like beer, or telly? Well, that's me that is, but thinking about the amount of sport I can watch! *grin*

Of course, there are a few people that won't get to watch quite so much television over the summer and they include all the athletes that we will be watching as they will have training and last minute Preperations to complete. For Sascha and Nyree, there is now no time for rest. Both flew off to Australia on Friday the 4th January for a three week acclimatisation training camp. "Australia, the lucky sods" I bet you're thinking. But I've learnt over the years from when I used to think that too, that these camps aren't really the holiday that many of us would imagine them to be. Yes, they do get to stay in nice hotels in hot places, but quite often, aside from a hole in the ground with water in it, the nice hotel is actually all they see in the hot places they visit.

For them it will be three weeks of non-stop training. 6000-8000m plus of water every day morning, noon and night. Maybe not so much of a holiday now! Hopefully the three week training session will get Sascha and Nyree and all the other paralympics swimmers in great shape before the last competitions that they have between February and July, after which, they will spend 2-3 weeks in Macau on a pre-paralympic training camp to warm up for Beijing.

As for the main competitions of the year, Sascha and Nyree are both likely to be competing again at this year's Paralympic World Cup in Manchester again although that is to be confirmed. This year's cup will take place between the 7th and 11th of May and will again be even bigger than last years. There will also be the Paralympic trials in March, plus the DSE National Championships in Sheffield in April, both of which I will write more about in the coming months.

So, let's wish Sascha and Nyree and all the other Paralympic swimmers and athletes good luck for 2008 and great success in Beijing. Bring home the bacon guys!

For those that are interested in going to Beijing, a few of us are booking our flights this month and will then be looking for accommodation. If you're on Facebook, there is a group called 'Going to Beijing' which you can join for information. With regard to event tickets, the first phase of ticket allocation is over and was done via application and lottery procedure. If you have missed this, as we have, tickets then go on sale to the general public in April.

I will put more information on this group and also on the 'Going to Beijing' link of this site.

Any questions let me know.

Timo

DSE Short Course Swimming Championships

2007-12-10T19:42:00.000Z

This weekend saw Nyree and Sascha take to the pool at the DSE Short Course Swimming Championships in Swansea, Wales.

Both were swimming in various events including a swim in the 100m Backstroke for Sascha, not one of his usual events. But never-the-less, Sascha didn't fail to dissapoint by breaking the British record!

For Nyree, it was also a record breaking weekend as she took the 400 freestyle race in a new European time.

Coverage of the event can be found at:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/other_sports/disability_sport/7083285.stm

More to follow...

Sascha & Nyree Win Top Award

2007-12-03T17:47:00.000Z

Following yesterday's BBC Midlands Sports Awards 2007, I'm delighted to announce that Sascha and Nyree jointly won the 'Disabled Sports Person of the Year'. It is the first time in the history of the awards that two people have won an award jointly, but makes perfect sense seeing as one could not achieve so much without the other. So well done to them both for achieving so much following a year which saw no major championships but both Sascha and Nyree set new records in many of their events.

Here's a link from the BBC Midlands site:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/birmingham/content/articles/2007/12/03/midlands_sports_awards_07_winners_feature.shtml

And a photo from the BBC (number 3):

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/photo_galleries/7130023.stm

In the Records Again...

2007-11-13T14:22:00.000Z

Sascha and Nyree were in the records again last weekend at the DSE National Short Course Championships in Sheffield. There were over 200 athletes swimming at the meeting including international swimmers from Canada, Spain and Brazil. In total there were an incredible 31 world records broken during the event with Sascha and Nyree claiming four of them. For those who dont know, the short-course championships uses a 25m swimming pool instead of a 50m (long course).

Here are Sascha and Nyree's times:

Day 1 (Am session)

Sascha
50m Breaststroke (38.14) - Gold
100m IM (1.16.68) - Gold (WR)

Nyree
100m Back (1.30.00) - Gold
100m IM (1.34.44) - Gold (WR)
4 x 100m Medley Relay - Silver

Day 1 (Pm session)

Sascha
100m Fly (1.12.49) - Gold (WR)
200m IM (2.42.16) - Gold (WR)

Nyree
200m IM (3.19.67) - Silver

Day 2 (Am session)

Sascha
50m Fly (33.28) - Gold (BR)
100m Breaststroke (1.23.25) - Gold

Nyree
50m Fly (50.77) - Bronze
4*100m Free relay - Silver

The meet was a good meet for them both prior to the quiet Christmas period although Sascha was disspointed with his breaststroke times.

Nyree commented on her swims: "The DSE short course nationals have been an event in my calendar for many years. I always look forward to competing at a short course event- something that we only get to do once a year at this level."

Well done guys!

Further links:

BBC: http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/other_sports/disability_sport/7083285.stm

DSE: http://www.disabilitysport.org.uk/nlstory.cfm?ID=26191&NLID=43652

Media Coverage Survey

2007-10-28T19:44:00.000Z

Like me, I'm sure many of you that read this blog often wonder why there isn't more coverage of disability sport in the media. Maybe I'm biased because I'm related to someone who is a Paralympic Champion along with his girlfriend too. And perhaps it's because I've been brought up with a brother who has had a disability from birth, so I've always been there at the heart of it all. But generally, I'm sure you'll agree, there is still a severe lack of coverage of disability sport, especially on television and print (newspapers).

So I thought to see if people agree, I'd do a little survey about disability sport and the coverage thereof. Below is a link to a survey which asks ten questions about disability sport within the media. A couple of the questions are directed to people in the UK, but even if you are outside of the UK, you can still answer the majority of them. So if you have a little bit of free time, I'd be very grateful if you would have a go at filling in the questionnaire to see what the results are.

To go to the survey click here: Disability Sport and Media Coverage Survey.

Any questions at all please ask me.

Thanks

Going to Beijing...

2007-10-25T19:46:00.000Z

Take a look at the Going to Beijing link and you'll see that we've selected the dates that we're going to be in Beijing next year to support Sascha, Nyree and all the other GB athletes. It will be a truely awesome experience and it's only just over 10 months away!!!

If you're also on Facebook, I've set up a group on there called 'Going to Beijing 2008' so feel free to join as i'll be putting more details on there soon about flights, etc.

A mixture of this and that...

2007-09-09T09:53:00.000Z

Well, I can't believe it's been two months since my last post! Doesn't time fly and thank god a glint of summer has finally arrived!! As it's been so long, I just thought that I'd write a few things on here that have happened in the last couple of months, a mixture of this and that really and I will be aiming to put some more regular posts up now going forward.

Firstly and most recently, Sascha has just come back from the Japan National Championships in Osaka with his head coach Lars Humer as he was invited to race against his main rivals in his tops events, the 100M Breast Stroke, the 50M Butterfly and the 200M Individual Medley. This included Tomotaro Nakumura who is Sascha's main rival in the 100M Breast Stroke. The meet was a good event for Sascha and he did very well. I'll be posting another item shortly with an exact update of how he did during his time there.

In other news, a great initiative has been set up by the British Swimming Association called 'Convert to Gold' (click here for their web page). Basically, British Swimming has enlisted a top team of Paralympians and Olympians to help guide some of Britain's most promising athletes, whether they be new or old, to gold in Beijing. Seven athletes have been selected for the Convert to Gold Programme including Sascha and Nyree's good friend Matthew Walker, plus experienced swimmers Claire Cashmore and Rob Welbourne, and newcomers Heather Frederiksen, Sam Hynd, Simon Miller and David Ellis. Paralympic stars Giles Long and Mark Woods will, along with Olympic stars Graeme Smith and and Sarah Price will help them on their journey to gold so good luck to them all.

The BBC have a couple of interesting articles up on their pages this month. Firstly there is an update on how China is doing in the preperation for next years Paralympics entitled 'China's Paralympic Challenge'. Plus, there is also an opinion piece which discusses whether GB will drop in the Paralympic Ranks due to increased competition in disability sport around the world, especially China. Personally I think we still have so much talent out there that we should still set ourselves high expectations and although it is clear that China will probably top both the Olympic and Paralympic medal tabls, we should still be aiming to get as close to them as possible, especially within the paralympic medal table where we should be aiming to achieve 2nd as we did in Athens during 2004 with 35 golds, 30 silvers and 29 bronzes.

Aside from that, there are a few other interesting bits and bobs that I thought i'd write about.

As many of you probably now know, there's a certain site called 'FACEBOOK' that's becoming quite popoular. If you're a member and interested in going to the games next year, I've started up a group called 'GOING TO BEIJING' which so far has 18 members. It's basically a group set up by me for freinds, family and anyone else who is/are at all interested in going where we can all discuss or share our thoughts about the games and the paralympics in general. Specifically I and a few friends will probably book our flights out there before the year ends so if and when I find out useful information about them, then I will share those with everyone. I hope that it will not only help us all get to Beijing, but also increase in the paralympics and disability sport too.

Also, just in case anyone is interested, the company that I work for, BGC INTERNATIONAL, will be holding it's third annual charity day this coming Tuesday 11th September. It's a great day which everyone looks forward to and all revenues earned from the day by our brokers and other staff are all donated to a number of charities. Most of these are children's charities and on the day we have various celebrities coming in from Joe Calzaghe and Amir Khan with Frank Warren, to rugby legends like Martin Johnson, Sean Fitzpatrick and Brian Moore. In the States we even have the liks of Whoopie Goldberg and Harvey Keitel coming in. So, if any of you have a family member or know anyone who works as a trader which uses a broker then tell them to trade with us for the day as it's all for a good cause!

Oh and very good news in that I passed my driving test recently! VROOM VROOM!

Keep well.

Timo

An update from the guys...

2007-07-15T08:37:00.000Z

Wow it really has been a good few weeks since our last update. So here goes, quite a bit has happened since the Paralympic World Cup.

Starting with the International meet at Sheffield where we both had some solid swims from one of our favourite venues. Sascha swam within a second of his best on both the 200IM and the 100m Breaststroke which he was very pleased with considering this was the second weekend of racing in a row. I swam a very good 400m freestyle with a very positive result in the finals. My main event of the 100m Backstroke was a little off what I was hoping for but it was still a good swim and it gives information for both myself and our coach to work off.

Just 3 days later we were off to Berlin for the German Open Nationals which was a bit of a mixed event. Sascha had to fly back home to England as soon as he had landed. As well as having his baggage lost, he had some bad news regarding his family and needed to be with his family at that time.

So I went on to Berlin International swimming pool with the rest of the Great Britain Squad without Sascha.
The event went pretty well with me breaking 2 world records throughout the weekend, the first being in the 50m Backstroke which I managed to break in both the heats and the finals. I was very pleased to get the world record back in my name. The second World record was in the 200m Backstroke where I broke my own world record by quite a margin. However, again my main event of the 100m Backstroke was slightly off so again there is certainly some work to be done.

Away from competing but still on the subject of swimming we have both had 5 big weeks of training with high meterage so we both feel in pretty good shape ahead of the ASA Youth Championships at the end of this month.

Last week we took part in the ‘Get Safe for Summer’ initiative which is run by the ASA and promotes children learning the safety aspects of being near open water during the summer months. We helped to teach children safety such as wading rescues, treading water, CPR, submersion and other key water skills. The children had a very good enjoyable day and learnt a lot so that they are aware of the dangers that the water throw at them. The children were also fortunate to meet the local fire brigade who came to explain to them the things that they have to do when children get into danger. All this took place at our local swimming pool, the Leominster Leisure Centre.

This week Sascha will be driving up to North Wales to take part in a regional initiative which is bigger than the local one we did at Leominster. Here there will be press and a lot more children taking part. Sascha has been asked to be the ‘Celebrity’ at this particular event and will actually be the dummy in some the demonstrations.
I have also recently taken the ASA Assistant Swimming teachers course (Level 1) therefore I am now more aware of the basics of teaching children/adults to swim. I am currently awaiting my results.

Keep watching this space for results of the ASA Youth Championships from Sheffield which is luckily not under water due to the floods.

Nyree

Unbeaten for how long...?

2007-05-24T18:57:00.000Z

I'm sure many of you may have seen Sascha and Nyree briefly on the BBC last weekend even if they were only on very briefly. What was interesting and great for Sascha personally was that Mark Woods highlighted that the senior members of the squad were continuously producing the goods for the team and that specifically, Sascha won his event again and was now unbeaten since the Sydney Paralympics in the year 2000.

To be honest, I had been thinking about this for a while so I asked Sascha and Nyree how long they actually are unbeaten for in their main events the 200 IM (Sascha) and the 100 M Backstroke (Nyree).

200 Individual Medley - Sascha Kindred

Sascha has been undefeated in the 200 IM since 1999. That's an amazing 7 years! His first win was at the 1999 European swimming championships in Braunchweig Germany. Since then he has won every 200IM at every major event up to 2007. Here are a few of his times since his first win. You're notice that his World record since breaking it first in Sydney has come down by an incredible 11 seconds!

2000 - Sydney Paralympic Games 2.57.42 WR
2001 - Stockholm Europeans 2.58.31
2002 - Argentina World Championships 2.49.60 WR
2004 - Athens Paralympic Games 2.51.61
2006 - Durban World Championships 2.46.2 WR (current)
2007 - Visa World Cup 2.47.7

Sascha has raced the 200 IM 56 times in the last 8 years where he has been undefeated at this distance.

100 Backstroke - Nyree Lewis

Nyree is undefeated in the 100m Backstroke since 2002. That's also an amazing 5 years at top level. She first won at a major event at the IPC World Swimming Championships in Argentina with a new world record time of 1.28.65. Here are a few of her major wins since:

2004 - Athens Paralympic Games 1.32.03
2005 - Visa World Cup 1.32.27
2006 - IPC World Champs Durban 1.28.99
2007 - Visa World Cup 1.30.32

Nyree’s current World record stands at 1.27.81 which was broken in July 2006 at the World Championship trials.

Two great examples of athletes performing consistently over a long time, even if I do say so myself!

Sasch and Nyree win again...!

2007-05-14T08:57:00.000Z

Well, as many of you may have seen by now if you were watching the highlights on the BBC yesterday, Sascha and Nyree both did well at the Visa Paralympic World Cup with great swims in their main events earning them two golds and a silver between them.

In the SM6 200m IM for Men, Sascha again dominated a race in which he has gone unbeaten now in major competitions since before Sydney 2000. A very impressive feat, but he knows that he'll have to keep up the work with his main rivals from GB, Matthew Whorewood and Gareth Duke pushing him all the way. The trio gave GB a clean sweep finishing in 1st, 2nd and 3rd respectively. The winning time posted by Sascha was 2:55.85.

IN the same event for the ladies Nyree pushed her main rival from GB Nathalie Jones all the way but couldn't quite beat her finishing second, yet she went out strongly in her more favoured event the S6 100m Backstroke and won in a very impressive time of 1:31.29.

I will update later with photos and feedback from both Sascha and Nyree.

In the meantime, more coverage can be found at:

http://www.visaparalympicworldcup.com/schedules_2007/swimming/index.htm

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/other_sports/disability_sport/6650429.stm

http://www.paralympics.org.uk/show_news.asp?section=000100010006&itemid=1709&itemTitle=Record+medal+haul+for+GB+swimmers+at+Visa+Paralympic+World+Cup

Paralympic World Cup Interview

2007-05-11T20:57:00.000Z

Well, again it's been a while since I last wrote, but better late than never. To be honest, it's been a pretty quiet few months for Sascha and Nyree as they gear up for this weekend's Paralympic World Cup in Manchester and some further events in the coming weeks.

However, I took a trip to Hereford recently to see Sascha and Nyree and got the chance to ask them a few questions about it all:

Q. A week to go now until the third annual Paralympic World Cup? What shape are you both in and are you looking forward to it?

N: We are both in pretty good shape and have been training really hard in preparation for this weekend so we're really looking forward to it. The last week and the week coming though we've been tapering down a little which basically means that we haven't been over doing it but slowly getting our body's to relax a little before our events. This is a major event for all of the team now being in it's third year and to race in Manchester, in our home nation, is always exciting.

Q. What kind of preparation have you had for the event? And has your coach done anything different in the weeks leading up to this major event?

S: Well, it was hard getting back into training after the New Year but we've now been training for a full four months now with a few events here and there so we've slowly been getting back into peak shape. Our preperations haven't differed that much to our usual preperations. It's really been the same as our the previousl World Cups that we've been in, a mixture of strength and distance training, followed by a bit more speed training and then tapering down.

Q. It must be great for the British athletes to perform at home in the UK. What do you like most about the World Cup being in Manchester?

S: To race in your home country where the whole crowd are behind you is amazing. It's gives you a great aderenalin rush when you see everyone supporting you as you stand on the block ready for the race to start.

N: Yeah, the event is growing now and we saw a lot more people come along to support us last year. If it keeps growing like this, we're in for a real treat in a few years time as more sports and events get put into the calendar.

Q. What events are you racing in this year as I understand it changes every year and depends on what events are selected?

N Yes the organisers change the events each time so this year we have 200 IM for both of us and Nyree has the 100m Backstroke. They appear to chose events that are spectator friendly and will be better races to watch, especially in the first few years as the organisors see how well the World Cup goes.

Q. Will some of your main rivals be there?

S: The top 10 in each event are invited so yes we would hope that our main rivals will be here, however we wont know until we see the start list. We have seen a draft programme and unfortunately it looks like the Chinese have not accepted their invite so for both of us who have strong Chinese rivals it is a shame that we will be unable to race them so close to Beijing. There will still be some tough competition there though.

Q. Do your rivals hate you because you keep beating them?

S: *laughs* No, we have good friendships with a lot of our rivals as well as some of them being british so we would hope that they do not hate us. They're bound to get annoyed sometimes as we do when we get beat, but we're all good friends really.

Q. You have a solid three weeks ahead of you know with the British international long course championships in Sheffield the week after the World Cup followed by the in Germany? Is this really where all the hard work and times for Beijing begins?

S: Yes we have 3 weeks racing so it will be hard work but the Beijing programme is 9 days so it will be good for us to work hard over a long period and try to perform throughout.

Q. You are both now regarded as senior members of the squad. Although I know you are both normally well behaved, do you have to set even more of an example now to the younger members of the squad?

S: We are classed as senior members now as we have been around for a few years, so yes, we do need to set examples for the younger members. They do look at our experience and ask us questions when they are at events, especially when it's their first time competing and they are not always sure what to expect. but its not like we are mums and dads or anything (!) so we have a laugh and joke with them aswell. We're not quite passed it yet!

Q. And what about the talent that is coming through in your events?

N: The British team have a great development programme which is identifying and developing young swimmers so that they are the best for 2012 and beyond. There are currently some very talented swimmers who have already made it to international level, some even at the age of 12.

For both of us there are also other swimmers from around the world who are young and posting very strong times at such a young age so the competition is always tough.

Q. I’ve noticed that the BBC have been advertising coverage of the World Cup on Sunday 13th May for two hours. Although there could be more coverage on each evening, isn’t this a good step seeing as there hasn’t been that much coverage before?

N: The BBC have increased their coverage this year which is brilliant as its improving all the time. There has been adverts on to show people what they can expect to see this Sunday and for two hours which will hopefully allow the BBC to show all the sports from the World cup and not just focus on one like athletics.

Q: I noticed that I'm on the adverts with some friends who went to Athens and we're all wearing our Sascha t-shirts! I'm nearly as famous as you know huh!?

S: *laughs lots*. Hmmmmm, get some snorkels and flippers for Beijing and then ask me again.

Q. You were recently invited to an able bodied meet in Crawley. How did you do?

N: We were in heavy training during this meet so to swim strong races was very good. It is great to race in a new 50m pool and another great facility opened in the build up to 2012

Q. If you win your events, how will you celebrate?

S: With huge party! Ha, no just kidding. As we're now already looking at Beijing, it's all hard work from here and no relaxing until after the Paralympics. We're also racing for three consecutive weeks so there won't be any major celebrations, just onto the next race. It's all very professional.

Timo: Thanks guys. Good luck to you both.

Watch Sascha and Nyree at the Paralympic World Cup as they show some of the events live on Sunday 13th May at 3.45pm for two hours. Rumour has it that some of it may also be on digital on Saturday but I will check this and let you know.

Any queries let me know.

ASA British Long Course Championships - Manchester

2007-03-31T12:18:00.000Z

This week has seen Sascha and Nyree travel to Manchester to swim in the ASA British Long Course Championships in Manchester.

Both are swimming in a number of events which you can keep track of at:

http://www.swimmingresults.org/liveevent/bschamps/web/index.htm

All the disability events swum over the weekend are Multi Disability (MD), which means that swimmers from different classifications swim against one another. There are a couple of reasons for this which include that there may not be enough swimmers at the competition to have finals for each classification, and to increase competition as the winner isn't always the swimmer who finishes first, but instead the swimmer who gets closest to the world record from their own classification.

So for example, the world record in the 100m SB7 Breaststroke which Sascha holds is 1:22.77. In the same event but for an SB6 the World Record is 1:27.04 held by Sascha's team mate Gareth Duke. Now, if they both swim in the same MD event, yet sascha finishes ahead of Gareth in a time of 1:23.77, yet Gareth finishes in a time of 1:27.10, Gareth would win the event as he finished closest to his World Record and would pick up more points. This way, the competition is always very high, the times are quick and, there is often a chance of one or more World Records being set in the event. If I've lost you here - feel free to ask me any quesitons. Also, if you see 1000 points or more anywhere, it means a World Record has been broken (you might see this below!).

Anyway, so far Sascha and Nyree have had good success at this year's championships. Here are some of the results:

01/03/2007 - Mens 200m Individual Medley MD Final:

1st - Sascha Kindred (S7) - 2:49.28 MD points = 946
2nd - Robert Welbourn (S10) - 2:24.58 MD points = 827
3rd - David Ellis (13) - 2:30.56 MD points = 798

31/03/07 - Mens 50m MD Butterfly Final:

1st - Sascha Kindred (S6) - 34.64 MD points = 824
2nd - Graham Edmunds (S10) - 30.18 MD points = 714

31/03/07 - Womens 100m MD Freestyle Final:

1st - Danielle Watts (S1) - 2:56.49 MD points = 988
8th - Nyree Lewis (S6) - 1:29.50 MD points = 648

30/03/07 - Mens 100m MD Breaststroke Final:

1st - Sascha Kindred (SB7) - 1:24.44 MD points = 942
2nd - Gareth Duke (SB6) - 1:30.91 MD points = 878
3rd - Callum Lawson (SB9) - 1:16.88 MD points = 792

30/03/07 - Womens 50m Backstroke Final:

1st - Nyree Lewis (S6) - 43.79 MD points = 1097 - WORLD RECORD!
2nd - Danielle Watts (S1) - 1:25.38 MD points = 893
3rd - Kate Grey (S9) - 37.05 MD points = 769

29/03/07 - Mens 50m MD Breaststroke Final:

1st - Gareth Duke (SB6) - 41.16 MD points = 996
2nd - Sascha Kindred (SB7) - 39.30 MD points = 962
3rd - David Ellis (SB13) - 33.55 MD points = 852

29/03/07 - Womens 100m Backstroke Final:

1st - Nyree Lewis (S6) - 1:31.31 MD points - 889
2nd - Heather Frederiksen (S6) - 1:34.72 MD points - 796
3rd - Emma Cattle (S10) - 1:21.02 MD points - 708

Overall, very impressive swims by both Sascha and Nyree, and a MASSIVE well done to Nyree for yet another World Record!

Over and out!

Congratulations to Stephen Miller and mum Ros!

2007-03-19T10:00:00.000Z

I just thought I'd post a little congratulations to Stephen Miller and his mum Ros for winning the Newcastle Sports Personality of the Year Award between them.

It's an amazing achievement for them and crowns an excellent year for Stephen after coming back from injury to again break his own world record in the F32 club event.

Well done to them both!!

read more here: http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/other_sports/disability_sport/6443359.stm

Coming UP.......

2007-03-11T08:43:00.000Z

Well, there's not been much happening for Sascha and Nyree, so I thought I'd remind you all of what they have coming up in the near future.

This coming week Sascha and Nyree have both been nominated for awards at the Herefordshire and Worcestershire Partnership Sports Awards - as the female and male sports personality of the year. They recently cleaned up at the Hereford Sports Awards so maybe another win is on the cards!?

Later this month they have the CP Nationals in Nottingham, and then from the 28th of March to April 1st it is the British Nationals in Manchester.

On May the 4th, they have both been invited to the opening of a local school in Hertfordshire - yes, not just swimming pools, but schools now as well! Soon it will be towns, and then the world!

Later in May, Sascha and Nyree are both on the programme during this year's Paralympic World Cup in Manchester - the third World Cup to take place. Sascha will be swimming in his favourite event the 200IM and is likely to face some tough competition from some of his main rivals which will give us all a good idea of who is in good shape just one year away from Beijing. Nyree is confirmed to race in the 200Im and the 100 back, so she has an even tougher task, but will be looking to lay down a marker before Beijing also.

So all in all they have some busy months ahead. Keep up the good work!!

Going to Beijing?

2007-03-04T17:31:00.000Z

Now if you're like me and pretty organised, you're probably already wondering what to buy your parents or your kids for Christmas, or maybe even planning your holiday for the year 2040 when a trip to the moon will possibly be the number one holiday destination. Well ok, maybe that's just being stupid, however, it might be time to start considering whether you and your friends or family might actually go along to watch and support our athletes at the games in Beijing next year.

Undoubtedly if you are, there will be many questions that you're asking yourself like, 'can we really afford it', 'will other people be going', 'doesn't it look a long way', or most importantly, 'will they serve us fish and chips over there' (there are always a few aren't there!).

Well, if you are one of these people, or a group of people who are interested in going to Beijing, I will be going to with a number of friends of mine, a few of which went to Athens in 2004. As we've been before, we know a little bit about what to expect and how exciting the games are, however, there will of course be a number of things we will need to investigate before going to Beijing just like you.

Therefore, I have created a new blog called 'Going 2 Beijing' which you can find at 'www.going2beijing.blogspot.com'. This site will basically tell you all about our preparation for our trip to Beijing and will hopefully give a little advice about the trip, whether you're planning to go just for a few days, or for a couple of weeks with a holiday mixed in with it for good measure.

Please do take a look now and again. It is unlikely that much will happen over the next few months, but I will let you all know about or plans and where we are looking for flights, hotels, etc. As from approximately September things are likely to pick up as this is when flights will start to become available etc.

Also, if you have any questions or information, I would encourage you to email me at kindredtk@hotmail.com, or alternatively leave a comment for you. I would be happy to post blogs from other people and attribute them to you so feel to write as much as possible. If you've found some great that everyone must go to while in Beijing, then let me know!

Anyway, good luck and we'll see you there! Timo

BRITAIN IN FINAL CUT FOR 2010 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS20

2007-02-20T23:34:00.000Z

Great Britain has been confirmed as one of three nations in the running to host the 2010 IPC Swimming World Championships.

Following an expression of interest submitted by British Swimming in December, the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) has announced Sheffield as one of three candidate cities. But the host of the 1993 European Swimming Championships and 1996 World Masters Swimming Championships faces stiff competition from 2007 European Swimming Championships hosts Eindhoven (Holland) and Minneapolis (USA).

Read more here:

http://www.britishswimming.org/vsite/vcontent/content/transnews/0,10869,5026-142440-19728-28293-267042-9137-5014-layout73-159656-news-item,00.html?ImgDisp=0

It would be aamazing if Sheffield did get the World Championships and surely we have a great chance. Sheffield is a proven place to hold major championships and would provide our athletes with an ideal chance to warm up for the London 2012 Paralympics. Bring it on!

It's Awards time.......again!

2007-02-18T10:39:00.000Z

Last week saw Sascha and Nyree attend the Hereford Sports Awards for the first time since moving to Herefored at the start of 2006.

There were a number of awards up for grabs including Coach of the Year, Club of the Year, Sports Council Services to Sport, and of course the three categories involving the Golden Couple themselves, Sportsman of the Year, Sportswoman of the Year, and Disabled Sports Personality of the Year Awards.

Being new to town, Sascha and Nyree might not have expected to win the awards in their first year, but after sterling performances all year round which has seen both swimmers break numerous records in their favourite events, plus retain their titles at the IPC World Championships in Durbna last December, the awards couldnt' have really gone to anyone else. And the new stars of Hereford were duly crowned!

Emma Patrick, Sascha and Nyree's coach also got a special commendation in the award's coaching category having been a major influence in their improved performances during the last year.

Here are a couple of pictures from the event:

(if you look closely you can see great colour co-ordination!)

See the coverage in the Hereford Times here:

Sascha & Nyree talk to BBC Sport

2007-01-27T21:54:00.000Z

In case you haven't heard it, Sascha and Nyree talked to BBC Sport at the end of 2006 to reflect on the year and the hopes for the future.

The link will run if you have windows media player or quick time.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/player/sol/newsid_6250000/newsid_6257100/6257109.stm?bw=bb&mp=wm

News from Macau, China

2007-01-27T17:46:00.000Z

Sascha emailed me this week with some news from the training camp in Macau, China. Here's the scoop...

Training has been going pretty good since we got here. It's great that it's similar to our home programme so that we are able to recover each week. We did eight swim sessions last week and will do nine each week in the next two weeks in which we are here.

On Saturday we went to Hong Kong after our morning training which was about one hour away on the ferry. Wow, what a city! I'ts pretty impressive with a lot of high rise buildings and billboards everywhere advertising products. It was also extremely busy though and could definatley get too much if we weren't there being occupied with a training camp! With all the billboards across street, Chinese writing and adverts, it starts to give you head ache after a while.

Bartering on the markets is pretty good fun and you can get some really good local bargains there. Every second shop is an electrical shop and they are all competing to sell the same products so haggling can be done.

We're now into our second week here, and although we've had some really tough sessions, we realise we are not as unfit as we first thought after eating all that Christmas turkey. We're both competing well and Lars, our head coach, said that next time we swim we wiill have less rest because we are doing so well.

So 10 sessions down, 16 to go, but its not like we are counting. We are enjoying this camp with such a small team and the atmosphere amongst us all is great. Next weekend we are going into Macau city centre to see the local sights and and will see much of the preperations of the Chinese New year being put up. It is the year of the pig for those that don't know! (Sascha and Timo are snakes and Nyree is a monkey).

Anyway, take care for now and keep well. We will write more soon.

Sascha

News...

2007-01-18T19:17:00.000Z

Here's some interesting news! Apparently we're bidding to stage the IPC World Swimming Championships in 2010. Fingers crossed we get it as it will be great for the build up of the GB Swimming team.

GB bid to host 2010 championships

Britain won an impressive haul of medals in DurbanGreat Britain has made an initial application to stage the 2010 IPC World Swimming Championships in Sheffield.

The World Championships is the second largest competition in disability swimming after the Paralympic Games.
Greece, Holland, France, Hungary, USA and Columbia have also expressed an interest in hosting the event.

Team GB returned from the last tournament - held in Durban earlier this month - with 24 gold, 14 silver and 14 bronze medals.

British Swimming chief executive David Sparkes believes that the staging the championships would play a vital role in the country's preparations for the London Paralympics in 2012.

"Not only will it develop our athletes, but it is also a significant opportunity to develop expertise of our staff and volunteers two years out from the Games," said Sparkes.

Source: BBC - http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/other_sports/disability_sport/6197571.stm

In the News...

2007-01-16T20:49:00.000Z

Below is an article that appeared in last weeks Hereford Times....

Click on the article to view it more clearly.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

2007-01-14T18:56:00.000Z

Hello there and a happy New Year to you all! I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and New Year and have not broken too many of your New Year resolutions already!

Apologies for not writing until now but as you can imagine it’s been a pretty hectic festive period with lots going on as well as being a busy start to the year at work again. Although busy, it’s been surprisingly much easier to settle back into work than I thought it would be which is good. I think much of that is down to setting a couple of new years resolutions myself which I’m currently still sticking too (although early days yet!) and the thought of so much that is ahead for 2007.

So much, that this weekend I went down to my mothers as I’m not sure when I will next get the chance in the coming months. Sascha and Nyree were also there as they were flying off to Macau in China on Saturday for a three week training course with the British Paralympic Association. It was lovely to see them just before they flew off again and I managed to ask them a few questions about the trip and also their time off at Christmas:

How was your Christmas?

N: Absolutely lovely! We didn’t have to get up at 6am or swim 4000km every day! (laughs).

S: Yeah, it was great to be able to relax as we have trained so hard throughout the year as all the team do. Just before Christmas we took a holiday to Las Vegas as we’d been meaning to go back there. That was great and Beatrice (Mine and Sascha’s mother) was able to join us out there too, along with you (Timo), and Beatrice’s friend. We all didn’t have very much money, but we had a great time there anyway.

N: Following that Timo joined us for a couple of days in Hereford and we enjoyed a Christmas meal out with Emma (coach) and some other people we’ve met since moving to Hereford. After that, my family came to stay for a few days and then after they left we just enjoyed a bit of piece and quiet before returning to training on January 3rd.

What was that like? You must have struggled a bit at first?:

S: Yes, we always do but it doesn’t take us long to get back into the swing of things. It was incredibly hard to get up on that first day though!

What tends to be the training routine after some time off? Does the coach start you off gently or is there no sympathy if you eat too much turkey and chocolate!?:

N: No, luckily our coach is good and began gently with the aim to get our fitness back up first. Of course when I say gently, it’s still pretty hard compared to an extra three hours in bed!

And what are your times like at the moment?:

(Both Sascha and Nyree laugh)

S: It’s been three week’s sine we swam. I’m sure our rivals would want to fast forward to Beijing now as we’d struggle to win a medal! Of course that will improve though. It usually takes us about 2 - 3 weeks to get back into shape so we will be swimming as normal again in Macau.

Speaking of Macau, when are you flying out and what is it in aid of?

S: The British Paralympic Association have picked eight swimmers to fly out to Macau in China who are most likely at this point to go to Beijing in 2008. It will give us all an idea of what to expect in Beijing when we go there next year, giving us a chance to get a feel for our surroundings, the water, the temperature, etc.

How long do you go for?:

S: We head out on the 13th of January and return on February 5th.

N: Yes, it is just the swimming team for the first week, and then for the last two weeks the BPA will send out athletes from other sports too.

So whom are the other eight and how well do you know them?:

N: The others going are Matt Walker, Natalie Jones, Liz Johnson, Emma Cattle, Claire Cashmore and Rob Welbourn. It’s a great mix of experience and youth and we all get on superbly as we’ve all been away together before and always support one another.

This may sound like a stupid question, but why now? Why not just before Beijing?:

S: Well, we will be having a holding camp in exactly the same place for a couple of weeks running up to Beijing 2008 so it’s more to do with getting a feel for the place now. The earlier we prepare, the better prepared we’ll be.
Timo: When you return, when will be your next competition?:

N: We have the British Nationals in March and then the World Cup in May. As we’re now just over a year away from Beijing 2008, these events will be very important and we won’t want to let our rivals get the better of us at all. It’s important to remain focused, continue getting good times, and to keep winning.

Timo: Is there anything else coming up?:

S: Well, we have athlete and coach reviews in February which is where our director, Tim Reddish and head coach Lars discuss the last year with us and our daily coach Emma Patrick. It will also be a good chance to talk about 2007 and our goals and it will be very important as we have to show UK Sport that we are still doing the work to warrant the Lottery funding that we receive.

N: Yes, and we also have the Hereford Council Sports Awards in February too. We haven’t been to them yet as we only moved to Hereford last year so it will be interesting to see what they are like.

Well, good luck in Macau and see you when you get back!

Sascha and Nyree will be sending updates from their training and stay in Macau soon. Watch this space!

Day 6: Sascha adds two further bronzes to medal tally

2006-12-08T12:31:00.000Z

Today was the final day of the IPC World Championships and both Sascha and Nyree were hoping to finish in style by adding further medals to their already hefty tally of four golds and one bronze.

Sascha's first race came in the 50m Metre S6 Butterfly, an event which he has been improving in all year. Back in May during the Visa Paralympic World Cup in Manchester, Sascha stormed to victory beating the current world record holder Igor Plotnikov in a new British Record.

However, neither Sascha or Igor could match the speed shown by Peng Li whom finished in a time of 32:62, one second ahead of Plotnikov in second place, with Sascha coming in third in a time of 34.01. Big respect has to go to Sascha for this result as before his improvement this year he was never even in the top 10 of this event, yet now he must surely consider this as another event to concentrate on for Beijing 2008. It will be difficult as due to his disability he only uses his left arm in the butterfly and therefore it is much more prone to injury, but let's keep our fingers crossed hey!

Later in the day, the British 200m Medley Relay quartet of Anthony Stephens, Gareth Duke, Sascha Kindred and Kenny Cairns managed to win a fruther bronze for GB and their own personal collections. They finished behind Brazil and Spain in first and second respectively. WELL DONE TO THEM ALL.

Results from Day 6: http://images.supersport.co.za/IPCSwimChamps2006FinalsDay6Summary.pdf

BBC: http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/other_sports/disability_sport/6219860.stm

Roundup of the event including performances from other GB swimmers and statistics coming soon...

Day 5: Sascha breaks own 200IM WR to win Gold. Nyree adds bronze in 200IM.

2006-12-06T10:50:00.000Z

Well he's done it again! Sascha wins his second gold of the competition shaving over a second off his own 200m Individual Medley World Record to finish in 2:46.20. I'm not entirely sure how he keeps lowering it, but I he has recently attached a propeller to his back which somewhat helps! I'm not sure really what else to say but that I'm very impressed and obviously very proud. Matt Whorwood and Gareth Duke swam impressively to lead home a clean sweep for Great Britain by finishing 2nd and 3rd respectively.

Nyree also added to her medal tally with a bronze in the 200m Individual Medley Final. The event was always going to be tough with her main rival, also from GB, Nathalie Jones swimming too. Jones produced a devastating performance to break her own World Record (once held by Nyree) and finish with a time of 3:16.70 whilst Fuying Jiang from China pushed Nyree into 3rd place. Nyree finished in a time of 3:23.28.

Well done to them both!

BBC Coverage: http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/other_sports/disability_sport/6215732.stm

Day five results: http://images.supersport.co.za/IPCSwimChamps2006FinalsDay5Summary.pdf

Day 4: Nyree storms to 2nd Gold!

2006-12-05T16:50:00.000Z

Well, as if the championships for Nyree and Sascha hadn't brought enough surprises already!

Nyree has only gone and made up for the dissapointment of Sunday's swim with a mightily impressive swim in the 400m freestyle.

Nyree stormed to gold ahead of current World Record holder Doramitzi Gonzalez in a time of 6:04.46 to claim her second gold of the championships. Gonzalez finished second in a time of 6:07.35.

The time was some way outside of the World Record but it was an outstanding swim none the less. Nyree was clearly ecstatic saying, "I was hoping for a medal and maybe to sneak the gold, but actually getting the gold and beating Doramitzi is a totally fantastic feeling and I'm over the moon."

BBC Coverage: http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/other_sports/disability_sport/6212240.stm

Day 3: Sascha breaks 100m Breast stroke WR and wins GOLD.....Again! - AND - GB relay team disqualified.

2006-12-04T16:52:00.000Z

Well, Sascha's done it again! (Not Britney this time!) Not only has he won yet another gold, yet another World Title and yet another trillion plaudits, he's gone and broken his own 100m Breast Stroke World Record yet again to win gold in a time of 1:22.77 (his old record stoold at 1:22.94). Sascha's main rivials Tomatora Nakamura from Japan and Peng Li from China posted faster times in the heats with 1:26.51 each, compared to Sascha's 1:27.61 so there was plenty of work to do. But Sascha wasn't about to be beaten and proved again why he's the world's number 1.

And I remember the day when we was swimming mid 1:30's!

I got a text from him saying "World Champion. 1:22.77. Sorry bro. Will be on grand stand on Sunday." Just to clear the apology up, it's a long standing joke between us that he never breaks the World Record when I or our mother Beatice are around, therefore maybe I need to reconsider travelling to Beijing in 2008! And maybe if I never turn up at a race he could keep breaking World Records until he's 80!

Anyway, well done Sascha 'the streamlined superfish' Kindred for yet again defending your World Title. If there's a proud person on this planet, there's certainly none prouder than your bro, and our mother of course.

Sascha said, “I knew from the heat that I had the speed to do it tonight,” he said. “I had a fast first 50m this morning and I knew from the training I’ve been doing that I would be able to hold on this evening. On the last 25m I thought ‘this is my one opportunity to win gold’ and I didn’t give up.

“My current form is down to my coach Emma Patrick who took me on again at the start of the year and has revitalised my swimming career. I’m nearly 29 and I should be past it, but I’m still getting quicker. It just goes to show that if you’re prepared to put the work in there’s always room for improvement.”

There was bad news to come later in the evening as the Great Britain 200m LC Freestyle Relay Team including Kenneth Cairns, Gareth Duke, Anthony Stephens and Sascha Kindred were unfortunately disqualified in the final of their race due to a faulty turn. They'll clearly be dissapointed with the results after finishing in second place but hopefully they will put this one behind them and continue winning more medals during the rest of the competition.

BBC Coverage: http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/other_sports/disability_sport/6208506.stm

Day 2 - Nyree 5th in 100m Breast stroke

2006-12-04T08:46:00.000Z

A suprise result from Durban last night as newcomer Kirsten Bruhn from Germany stormed her way to gold in the 100m SB5 Breast stroke. Her time of 1:43.36 in the heats shattered Nyree's World Record by nearly 7 seconds, which she then broke again in the final with a time of 1:43.22.

Nyree was lying in 3rd after the heats with a time of 1:59.00 but found the pace too much in the final finishing 5th and outside of the medals in a time of 2:05.35. She was clearly dissapointed with her swim but now looks onto her next even the 400m freestyle in which she has a great chance to take a medal.

Tonight, Sascha swims in one of his favourite events, the 100m SB7 breast stroke, an event in which he has only been beaten in once in the last 6 years, but he faces stiff competition from his usual Japanese and Chinese rivals who will push him all the way. Is yet another World Record on the cards??? The odds look good.

The GB team are doing pretty well as a whole and friend Mathew Walker is also in the mix of medals with a bronze in the 100m S7 freestyle.

Read further news at:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/other_sports/disability_sport/6204982.stm

http://www.dissa.co.za/default.asp?AID=198544

http://www.britishswimming.org/vsite/vcontent/page/newslist/0,8506,5026-178077-195295-28293-news-list,00.html

For full Day 1 and 2 results see: http://www.dissa.co.za/default.asp?cId=12938&cl=yes

Nyree wins first GOLD!

2006-12-03T11:43:00.000Z

Well, the waiting is over aand last night saw Nyree win her first gold medal of the games after coming back strongly on the second length of her 100m backstroke event.

Going into the second length more than 1 second behind, Nyree had the strength to come back and overtake her Chinese rival Fuying Jiang. Sascha says that Nyree raced really well and felt very strong. Much of the strength and stamina training that they have both been doing is clearly paying off.

Nyree said, "It was really hard in there but I felt stronger tonight and after this morning I knew I had to step it up a gear," she said. "I wasn't far off my world record and I would have liked to lower that in the final but at the end of the day, the result of the race is more important. I'm looking forward to my next event now and performing strongly there too."

Nyree swims again tonight in another of her strong events - the 100m breast stroke. Sascha swims for the first time tomorrow.

Read more about how the rest of the team did at: http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/other_sports/disability_sport/6203090.stm

The BBC also site Sascha and Nyree as two of the swimmers to watch at the championships. Read more at:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/other_sports/disability_sport/6195008.stm

Watch live at: www.paralympicsport.tv

There will be coverage today on BBC interactive between 15:00 and 17:00. Sascha mentioned that he and Nyree will be a main feature at somepoint.

Dear Golden Couple followers.....

2006-12-01T12:49:00.000Z

FYI

Sascha will be swimming in 3 main events (50m Butterfly, 100m Breast stroke and 200m Individual Medley).

Nyree will be swimming in 4 main events (100m Backstroke, 100m Breast stroke, 400m Freestyle and 200m Individual Medley).

Both will also be swimming in relays (will update you with details shortly).

I have listed the schedule of when they are swimming Below. This includes details of the time and holder of the current world record.

Remember that the BBC will be showing coverage on the 3rd, 7th and 20th. You can also watch highlights every night from 23:00 at www.paralympicssport.tv.

ENJOY!

Saturday 2nd December
Nyree swimming in:100m Backstroke – Class S6
World & British Record Holder – Nyree Lewis
Time: 1:27.81

Sunday 3rd December
Nyree swimming in:
100m Breast stroke – Class SB5
World & British Record Holder – Nyree Lewis
Time: 1:50.06

Monday 4th December
Sascha swimming in:
100m Breast stroke – Class SB7
World & British Record Holder – Sascha Kindred
Time: 1:22.98

Tuesday 5th December
Nyree swimming in:
400m Freestyle – Class S6
World Record Holder – Doramitzi Gonzalez
Time: 5:49.18

Wednesday 6th December
Sascha swimming in:
200 Individual Medley – Class SM6
World & British Record Holder – Sascha Kindred
Time: 2:47.46

Nyree swimming in:
200m Individual Medley – Class SM6
World & British Record Holder – Natalie Jones
Time: 3:17.39

Thursday 7th December
Sascha swimming in:
50m Butterfly – Class S6
World Record Holder – Igor Pltonikov
Time: 32.51
British Record Holder – Sascha Kindred
Time: 33.02

Further World Champs Coverage Announced on BBC...

2006-12-01T12:30:00.000Z

The BBC has confirmed further coverage of the IPC World Swimming Championships which kick off this Saturday (2 December) and run to the 7 December in Durban. Digital viewers in the UK can watch live coverage of the action as part of the BBC’s interactive service. Coverage is scheduled from 3-5pm on Sunday 3 December and from 3-4.30pm on Thursday 7 December (both UK time).

Each day, a five-minute highlights programme will be available to view online on the BBC disability sport pages. The Championships will also feature as part of a larger swimming package (including footage from the European Short Course Championships) on BBC Grandstand on Sunday 10 December.

An event preview featuring National Performance Director Tim Reddish and British swimmer Matthew Whorwood will be broadcast on BBC Radio 5 on Thursday 30 November between 9.30pm and 10pm.

Source: BBC

Sascha and Nyree named in 'TOP SWIMMERS' lists

2006-11-30T08:30:00.000Z

News from Durban, South Africa:

Sascha:

"New team members got their first GB caps yesterday so we welcomed them onto the team. They're very nice caps this year and I will send an image of one of them shortly. I am swimming pretty quick in training and Nyree is swimming even quicker so I'd better pull my socks up!! Otherwise all is well."

That's the latest news from Durban. Sascha and Nyree also tell me that the list of 'Top Swimmers' male and female were handed out a couple of days ago. This list shows who too watch out for in the World Championships and both Sascha and Nyree are on them. See below.

News from Durban...

2006-11-25T13:27:00.000Z

Sascha's promised to keep us all updated with how their training is going and I received a text from him this morning saying that all is going well thus far.

Sascha and Nyree are hitting all their target times in training before the championships begin next month and they're both feeling quietly confident.

They're currently training at a pool at Crawford School which is an outdoor pool (clearly I'm not jealous at all!) and is solely for the use of the Great Britain team giving them fantastic pool time. Sascha reliably tells me it is the nicest pool in the area as well.

The pool pictured on the right is the Kings Park pool in Durban where the World Championships will take place.

They are both staying in the Southern Sun Hotel on the beach front overlooking the Indean Oceon (pictured below). If you look really closely you can just about see them relaxing in their 500 acre room with jaccuzi, giant plasma screen and 4 poster bed!! The hotel even has a beauty salon so I know where Sascha will be when he has a few moments out from training (he he!)

Sascha said, "Hi to all at home. The good news is that we're both swimming really well and we're also both in great shape. Just over a week to go now and we'll be doing our best to make sure we bring home the bacon for GB!"

For now, that's over and out. More news soon!

More Coverage....

2006-11-20T19:56:00.000Z

Hello all!

Sascha told me that you can also hopefully watch some of the Swimming World Championships at www.paralympicsport.tv.

Currently they have some old coverage on there, but I will update you nearer the time to confirm that they are showing some of it.

BBC Coverage - World Championships

2006-11-18T10:34:00.000Z

BBC CONFIRMS WORLD EVENT COVERAGE

The BBC has confirmed its coverage of the International Paralympic Committee World Swimming Championships taking place in Durban from 2-7 December.

As well as daily highlights planned for its online disability sport pages, the Championship will also feature as part of a larger swimming package (including footage from the European Short Course Championships) on BBC Grandstand on Sunday 10 December.

Further coverage is expected on BBC interactive on the opening weekend of competition (2-3 December). Full details will be available on www.bbc.co.uk.

On Form for the World Championships

2006-11-16T19:57:00.000Z

Nyree and Sascha are certainly on form for the coming world swimming championships after racing personal best times and world records at the DSE Short course nationals. The meet was their last chance to race before heading out to Durban in just one weeks time.

Sascha started the weekend off breaking the 100m IM World Record by over 2secs then that afternoon setting another World Record in the 200m IM. During that same afternoons session Nyree swam the 400freestyle smashing the World Record to make their total of 3 World Records in one day.

Read the Hereford Times article below.

Record-breaking Paralympians are ready to take on the world
By Richard Prime

HEREFORDSHIRE'S Paralympian swimming duo are heading off to the IPC World Championships in good heart after gold-medal laden, world record-breaking displays at the British National Short Course Championships.

Sascha Kindred and Nyree Lewis proved their form with nine gold medals between them - and three new world records - in Sheffield.

Kindred picked up six golds and a silver and set new world-best marks in the 100 and 200m individual medley events while Lewis broke the world record in the 400m freestyle as well as picking up three gold medals and a bronze.

"The short course championships take place in a 25m pool, which is the same as the one we train at in Leominster, while the World Championships in Durban are in a 50m pool," said Kindred.

"But it shows that we are both in good shape for South Africa."

Kindred and Lewis will be heading out for South Africa on November 20 to attend a 12-day training camp before getting down to the serious business of the World Championships which begin on December 2.

"I am taking part in three events - the 50m butterfly, the 100m breaststroke and the 200m individual medley," said Kindred. "I shall be hoping to defend my titles in the 100m breaststroke and the 200m IM and to pinch a medal in the 50m butterfly.

"Nyree is the defending champion in the 100m backstroke and is also taking part in the 400m freestyle, the 200m individual medley and the 100m breaststroke.

"We are both also taking part in the relays."

The 33-strong British team will be looking for a good medal haul but expect to face tough opposition from the sport's top performers from China, Australia and Canada.

"The Chinese, in particular, will be looking to put in a strong showing before the Olympics in Beijing, but we are looking forward to it," said 28-year-old Kindred.

The British squad certainly have something to live up to as, at the last world championships in Argentina in December 2002, the squad won 76 medals, 32 of them gold, to finish top of the medals table.

The Herefordshire pair will be expecting to be part of the British squad to go to the 2008 games and acknowledge that they are being given the best preparation in their medal aspirations.

"The British team is well funded which means that we are able to do pre-event training camps," said Kindred. "In January, we are heading off to Macao, which is in the same part of the world as China and that will give us a chance to get used to the conditions and the food."

Kindred and Lewis are both classed as S6 in terms of their disabilities. Swimmers with a physical disability are all ranked from S1 to S10 with S1 the most severely disabled.

Between them, Kindred and 26-year-old Lewis hold 22 British, 13 European and 12 World records.

NYREE AND SASCHAS BUILD UP TO WORLDS

2006-09-30T09:10:00.000Z

It is now September and yes doesn’t time fly. Firstly it was Nyree’s birthday last week, wow 2 years ago she was winning a gold medal and so was Sascha at the Athens Paralympic Games during the same time! See what I mean about time flying?

The next thing for us is the Welsh Nationals down at the Swansea National pool on the 7th and 8th October which is their last chance to swim long course before the worlds. In some respects it’s a test for us as it will be less than 2 months before we are racing again for the real deal, with both of us wanting to retain our medals and put a marker down for Beijing in 2008.

A team get together follows this meet where the final preparations, introductions for the young members and some vital relay practice.

Then the last event before we fly out to South Africa on 20th November is the DSE (Disability Sport England) short course nationals. This is where everyone swims in regions and earn points per race. There’s always rivalry and it's a great competition for everyone. There shouldn't be too much pressure on us for this event and is held at just the right time to allow for some final race preparations prior to the World Championships.

The World Championships takes place December 2nd- December 9th and the team fly out to Durban, South Africa on November for a 10 day preparation camp. Here all the swimmers get a chance to acclimatise to the heat, food, environment etc. It is a vital part of everyone’s race preparations and for any key elements to be perfected prior to the Championships.

Hopefully this preperation over the next couple of months is going to keep us in peak condition all the way to the finish line of the final event in Durban. The way that we've performed this year under our new coach and training has been very positive and we've set ourselve high targets in all of our events. There's no room for any mistakes now and we're both seeking golds in all our main events.

Once the World Championships are over, we'll be looking to go away and relax on holiday to one of our most recent and favourite destinations. It's already booked so we don't have to worry about it now and boy, we can't wait. We'll tell you more shortly but now it's back in the pool!

Sascha & Nyree

37 days to a post. Interesting? Not quite as interesting as....

2006-09-19T18:26:00.000Z

I always said that when I'd start this site I wouldn't leave it too long before the next post, and although it hasn't seemed to long, when I think about it, it has been some time, and these points put the time into perspective:

It's been 37 days!
That's 888 hours!
Or 53,280 minutes! In this time, Sascha or Nyree could have swam roughly 43,600 200m IM races non stop! That's 174,400 lengths of racing.
Both Sascha and Nyree have swam 164km (164,000 metres) - excluding competitions
They've travelled over 1500 miles to and from training
Sascha & Nyree have been training 49 times, of which 8 sessions are in the gym. Each session is between 1.5 and 2 hours long, usually twice a day.
Sascha has eaten roughly 20 dishes of pasta or jacket potatoes.
Nyree and Sascha have eaten over 200 wine gums
Nyree has written roughly 141 times in her diary (much to Sascha's delight!!!)
I've spent over 200 hours at a computer at work and home, and didn't manage to update my blog!

Anyway, now that I'm back, I'll be starting to write more regularly again, starting with a small piece from Sascha and Nyree themselves about the build up to the World Championships, and their planned holiday afterwards - one that I'm very very jealous of! Find out where their going here in a few days!

Over and out!

IPC Names GB World Championship Squad

2006-08-12T14:04:00.000Z

Sascha and Nyree have been named in a strong team to represent Great Britain at the IPC World Championships in Durban, South Africa later this year.

For Sascha, this will be his fourth World Championships in which he will be defending his 100m breastroke, and 200IM titles for the first time. Sascha, who is number 1 in the world for both events, and the current world record holder, will be tough to beat having broken both world records this year. He will also make a bid for his first ever major championship medal in the 50m butterfly.

For Nyree, this will be her second games, but one in which she will undoubtably look to make a bid for a hat full of medals in events including 100m breaststroke, 200IM, and 100m backstroke in which she is the current world record holder.

The IPC World Championships will take place between the 2nd and 10th of December.

BBC Coverage: http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/other_sports/disability_sport/5257760.stm

Emma Patrick, The Interview

2006-08-05T06:35:00.000Z

Well, as I mentioned earlier this week, I managed to get a few moments with Emma to ask her some questions about the Golden Couple. So here it is...

Name: Emma Patrick
Position: Coach (Leominster Kingfisher SC)
Lives: Hereford

You used to coach Sascha and Nyree for a while in Manchester. What's it like to have them back?
I coached Nyree and Sascha for two and a half years. During this time I went to the Sydney games as part of the GB team and I prepared them for the World champs in Argentina in 2002. Nyree and Sascha were part of a group of swimmers in the high performance centre. They were by far the most committed and professional .

Although I was working full time for British Swimming as a disability Performance coach I had swimmers who were very high maintenance and therefore at times this took my time away from those who were working hard etc.

However the situation is completely different now. I do not work for British Swimming anymore and have another full time job which enables me to fit in my coaching role around it, and as I'm just coaching Nyree and Sascha, I feel the work is very much more specific to them and I can concentrate 100% on them.

Do you think it was it right to leave the Performance Centre?

Leaving the National Performance Centre could have been a bad decision for them, but with personal bests and World Records for both Sascha and Nyree recently, plus 2 British Records for Sascha, and a win over the World Record holder in the 50M Butterfly, this change has clearly been beneficial to them.

What do you put this down to?

Nyree and Sascha seem to be much happier and have settled very quickly in Herefordshire. They were the first two swimmers to be in a performance centre so after 6 years maybe the change as helped. The pool environment in Leominster is new and very light and airy and very much extreme to the pool in Manchester. The aquatic centre in Manchester is a great facility but after 4 years training in a downstairs pool with no windows and false lighting it can get you down after a while.

As you know, both Sascha and Nyree came back with a truck full of medals from Athens. Did you watch everything, and how did it feel knowing that your involvement in their training had helped get them there?
Obviously the fact they won medals in Athens is terrific. I do think Beijing will be very very different in terms of British Success. Beijing have already stated that they will not let any medals out of the country. I firmly believe that when anyone at this level who participates at major games such as these, not only needs to win a medal, but needs to place a high emphasis on swimming a personal best time and breaking world records etc. Obviously the nearer you are to your peak the more difficult it becomes.

Nyree and Sascha won medals but they themselves were not overjoyed with their performances in Athens

Sascha is 28, Nyree 26. How much more do you think they have in their locker before they retire?
If you had asked me that back in January I may have not been able to give you an answer. Then in April Sascha broke the World record in 200 IM by 2 seconds and has broken the British Record in 50 fly whilst also moving into the top two in the world for the event.

Nyree is getting back near to her world record in 100 Backstroke and broke a world record in 200 freestyle in Berlin a few weeks ago. This proves there is still room for improvement and a reason still to train and continue. Our training approach is about improving, getting faster and not about maintaining times.

In the short term, they have the World Championships in Durban, South Africa this year. How do you think their preperation is going for this, and are you doing anything specific to give them the best run up to this championship?
I have always believed in a high endurance based programme, particularly for swimmers who compete in various events from 200 Individual Medley, 400 freestyle to 50 butterfly. Testing has shown they have improved their Endurance Base so far as to say maybe they are more aerobic now than they have ever been.

We have done a lot of medley work and much more endurance work on no their number 1 stroke as well. If we can build on this and possibly have an even greater aerobic base, as we still have over 18 months to Beijing, then we know we have a larger plateau for the higher intensity work.

The preparation for the World Championship is going well but their move to Leominster is just part of the overall plan to Beijing. Myself, Nyree and Sascha know full well that Beijing games will be the toughest so far.

Forthe long term, what do you hope they can achieve in Beijing in 2008?
Their aim will be to break their own World Records, swim personal bests and maintain or better their rankings

And London 2012?
Lets get to Beijing first

Will you travel to Beijing?
I will definitely go to Beijing to watch the swimming.

Do you have any specific tips for kids with a disability who want to get into swimming?
Of course. Basically anyone who enjoys swimming and wants to progress competitively should go and investigate their local swim clubs. With London 2012 games in our own country that should be inspiring enough for younger talented swimmers. British Swimming have a very good system where they support and encourage athletes though the Start and Potential programmes.

Coming up.........Timo interviews the coach

2006-07-31T20:42:00.000Z

Since their move earlier in the year to Hereford to train with their previous swimming coach Emma Patrick, Sascha and Nyree seem to have found a new 'lust' for the sport again which has been dodging them for some time. The old will they, won't they go onto Beijing and perhaps even London, was something that I don't even think they were certain with a year ago.

But now, with a new training regime seeming to work wonders for both athletes, shown by their recent British, European and World Records in the pool, Sascha and Nyree appear to have settled back into things and are heading for a collision course with the World Championships in Durban later this year, and Beijing in 2008.

I managed to grab 15 minutes with Emma Patrick recently to ask her a few questions about their progress, and what it was like to be coaching the Golden Couple again.

Read her interview this week, here.........

In the Media...

2006-07-27T19:26:00.000Z

This is a new addition to my site in which I will sometimes pick coverage within the news that relates to the disabled sports or the paralympics in some way.

My first link is from the BBC which talks about fund boost for recruiting top new athletes capable of winning medals in the 2012 medals. Any news like this is a positive step for disabled sport and the paralympics. Let's hope it paves the way for youngsters around the country to try things that they otherwise would never have dreamt of. If Sascha and Nyree can do it, so can you!!

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/other_sports/disability_sport/5218330.stm

FACT #3

2006-07-25T19:07:00.000Z

Did you know......?

Sascha still holds the junior record for his favourite event, the 100m breast stroke?

Yes, he has held it since 1995 and it still stands at 1 min 32.84 seconds.

He also holds the 50m breast stroke record which still stands at 42.52 seconds.

He is now 28 years old, and has held them both since he was 17!!!

Golden Couple Pictures

2006-07-14T14:21:00.000Z

You may not know, but the golden couple have a second site which shows pictures of the golden couple in action or on duty. There are only a few at the moment, but I will be posting more from their upcoming events, and from the past. I will also post interesting images from the press, websites, newspapers that I see so keep a look out! I've put the first 3 images below, but to see more, you can visit www.goldencouplepics.blogspot.com.

If you'd like a signed picture at all, just request one from thegoldencouple@hotmail.com. Any donations for this would be appreciated and would go 50-50 to Hemihelp and funds towards getting both families to Beijing in 2008.

In the News - 13th July 2006

2006-07-13T19:20:00.000Z

Record-breakers are poised for world bid

HEREFORD paralympians Sascha Kindred and Nyree Lewis have all but booked their places on the British team to compete at the Swimming World Championships in Durban, South Africa, later in the year after impressive outings in Sheffield at the weekend.

The pair bagged four golds and a silver between them, setting British, European and World record times and securing qualifying times for the World Champs in four disciplines at the Disability National Open Championships.

Kindred posted a world record time of 1.22.98 in the 100m breaststroke as he won gold and met the World Championship qualifying time.

He repeated the feat in the 200m individual medley with a time just 0.1 of a second off his own world record mark.

And he set a British record in the 50m freestyle, in which he won silver after finishing behind German Sebastian Iwanow.

Kindred's girlfriend Lewis won gold in the 100m breaststroke with a world record 1.27.81 and touched home first in the 400m freestyle to set a European record.

Both times were under the World Championship qualifying mark.

The swimming aces head back to the Ponds Forge pool in four weeks for another championships after which the British team for Durban will be confirmed.

Records Tumble for Golden Couple in Sheffield

2006-07-11T16:49:00.000Z

It's a proud moment when Sascha and Nyree win medals and break records, but for a number of years now I've always asked Sascha if he could just shave a few milliseconds off one of his world records (just one, I'm not greedy) when I'm in attendance watching him. So what happens this weekend at the British Championships in Sheffield between the 7th and 9th July? He does it again, whilst I'm sitting comfortably at home in London having a barbecue in the garden! Now I've had enough!

I'm kidding of course about having enough, but I'll continue to wait for the day for it to come and am confident that he, and Nyree, will do the business in Beijing in 2008, in ALL of their events (no pressure!).

So to this weekend. You could say that this was the golden couples biggest event so far this year, and certainly their biggest since their move to Hereford to train with their long time coach, Emma Patrick. Now, with the World Championships in Durban, South Africa looming, and qualifying times to make, the pressure was definately on.

Read how they did on each day......

Day 1

First up was Nyree in the 400 freestyle heats, and with a new training regime now firmly under their belts, it was time to do business.

The heats saw Nyree swim 6 mins and 0.08 seconds, a new European record and a personal best. An excellent result, until she went even faster in the finals with a time of 5 mins 58.08 seconds, another European record and personal best.

Up next was Sascha in the 100 breast stroke, his favourite event which has given him tonnes of success since Atlanta 1996. Not to be beaten with records tumbling by his other half, Sascha went out in a solid time of 1 min and 24 seconds in the heats, but then suprised everyone with a world record swim of 1 min 22.98 seconds in the final.

With the World Championships only 6 months away, both swims had impressed and their seats to Durban were firmly in their sights.

Day 2

Only Sascha swam today, and in his least favourite event, the 50m freestyle. Although not his favourite, Sascha has had success in this event when swimming in the 4 x 50m relay at major championships, winning several medals through the years. Was now the time to prove himself at freestyle too? It certainly looked that way in the heats as Sascha posted a time of 33.44 seconds, just outside his personal best. But the best was still to come as Sascha went even faster in the final with a new personal best and yet another British record of 33.06 seconds.

Day 3

Today was Nyree's favourite event, the 100m backstroke. In the heats, Nyree swam just outside her own world record. Nyree clearly had more in the tank and for the finals decided to give it everything and go for the record. Storming ahead of the rest of the field, Nyree suprised even herself, smashing her existing world record in a time of 1 min 27.81 seconds. (by now I can only imagine that the crowd were bowing down in amazement!)

Sascha's other main event, the 200 Individual Medley was last but not least. Swimming as the reigning World Record Holder, Paralympic, and World Chamion, Sascha set off in the heats in a comfortable time of 2 mins 48.88 seconds. He then decided to go for it in the final, and started off at a blistering pace, well inside world record time. But then with a terrible turn from breast to front crawl, which knocked nearly half a second off his time, Sascha finished a 0.10 seconds outside his world record time in 2 mins 47.56 seconds. If only! (maybe he'll smash it with me watching next time - wink).

IN conclusion, the British trials were fantastic for both Sascha and Nyree, whom both secured the necessary qualifying times for the World Championships. The offical team won't be announced until next month (August 8th), but it looks like Sascha & Nyree will head to Durban to defend their World titles yet again. Watch this space!

If you'd like to email Sascha or Nyree just write to thegoldencouple@hotmail.com.

Linkd to coverage:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/other_sports/disability_sport/5147988.stm

http://www.britishswimming.org

German Open 2006, Berlin - Review

2006-06-12T21:10:00.000Z

Nyree talks about her and Sascha's recent trip to Berlin, where they swam in the 2006 German Open...

"Berlin turned out to be a much better meet for me this year compared to how I raced at last years German open.
The first day i decided to enter the 200freestyle which I ended up doing a personal best in the mornings heats which was a shock to me due to me being in full heavy training. The finals were even more of a shock when I again broke the world record for the second time that day in an even faster time of 2.56.61 which set me up for the rest of the weekend with plenty of confidence to do well.

My other races were the 200IM and 100m Backstroke, these were very solid events which I was also pleased with, they were not personal best times but they proved that I am in great form ready for the World championship trials that are only 1 month away.

The Berlin Open is always a very good meet for us to travel too. There was a high attendance of international athletes which gives us the opportunity to race some of our rivals outside of major events. The German organisers always put on a good meet, ok they are very long days, but as athletes we have to be prepared for this.
Sascha also had a very good meet. His 100breaststroke was only a second off his world record and his 200IM was the second fastest time he has ever done. He also had the 50mbutterfly which is the event he won last month at the Paralympic World Cup. He repeated his success here with a very solid time which again shows he too is on the right track to qualify for the world champs next month in sheffield.

So overall a very good meet with positive swims to show us how well we are training.

Things are looking good for the next few meets we have coming up.

Just to add, we are still looking for some entrants to help design the new logo for this site. If you are at all interested, have a go and send it into us at thegoldencouple@hotmail.com. Good luck!"

FACT #2

2006-06-08T19:24:00.000Z

Did you know......?

Back when sascha was 15 years old he held the british record in the long jump.

Understanding Classifications

2006-05-17T19:27:00.000Z

Unsure how people with different disabilities can swim against one another? Well don't be. It's actually quite simple and i've put together some basic information below which should help make it easier to understand the classifications of disabled athletes in swimming.

Swimming Classification

The classification process, co-ordinated by the ASA, entails the assessment of a swimmer's functional mobility by IPC Swimming trained classifiers. The process involves a bench test and water test and takes no more than one hour. This type of classification also enables the identification of stroke exemptions applicable to an individual swimmer.

Swimming is the only sport that combines the conditions of limb loss, cerebral palsy (coordination and movement restrictions), spinal cord injury (weakness or paralysis involving any combination of the limbs) and other disabilities (such as Dwarfism (little people); major joint restriction conditions) across classes.

Classes 1-10 – are allocated to swimmers with a physical disability
Classes 11-13 – are allocated to swimmers with a visual disability
Class 14 – is allocated to swimmers with an intellectual disability

The Prefix S to the Class denotes the class for Freestyle, Backstroke and Butterfly
The Prefix SB to the class denotes the class for Breaststroke
The Prefix SM to the class denotes the class for Individual Medley.

The range is from the swimmers with severe disability (S1, SB1, SM1) to those with the minimal disability (S10, SB9, SM10).

In any one class some swimmers may start with a dive or in the water depending on their condition. This is factored in when classifying the athlete.

The examples are only a guide - some conditions not mentioned may also fit the following classes.

Full breakdown of classifications (http://www.sportcentric.com/vmgmt/vfilemgmt/page/filedownload/1,8202,5026-49221-97732-0-file,00.pdf)

Sascha

S6 (Freestyle, Backstroke and Butterfly)
SB7 (Breaststroke)
SM6 (Individual Medley)

Nyree

S6 (Freestyle, Backstroke and Butterfly)
SB5 (Breastsroke)
SM6 (Individual Medley)

Sascha and Nyree have very similar classifications as they both have cerebral palsy which affects two limbs on their body, Sascha with his right arm and right leg, and Nyree with both her legs. The only different is when you compare the breaststroke classification in which Sascha has a higher classification as he has more power in his legs, and breaststroke is a stroke in which much of the power comes from the legs.

Nyree on the Paralympic World Cup

2006-05-11T18:55:00.000Z

"Being at the world cup as a spectator was quite strange although I guess it was nice to see it from another point of view for once. One thing I immediately experienced was how hot and stuff it was up in the stands watching and I understand a bit more what our family and supporters often experience when they come to watch us. It was quite uncomfortable at times and different to when we are racing as the water cools us down somewhat.

To watch 'Sash' and the rest of the team race from high up was pretty good as I got to see the race much more clearly and was able to forget some of the stresses that I usually have when I am racing, for example, when I need to go to the call up room, whether I've been drinking and eating enough, etc.

Anyway, to see Sash win an event that, well, he wasnt exactly one of the favourites for was superb, especially as I was just hoping he could do as well as he did at the British Nationals 4 weeks earlier. Then, to see him do another personal best was magical, as well as a bit of a shock also, and I was very very proud of him. It just shows how much work he has been doing recently in the Individual Medley which he has also been improving in. It all filters through and I guess it shows you how much work you have to do in training to be able to reep the rewards when you race.

We now have 2 and half years to Beijing which we are already training for and things seem to be going well."

Sascha on the Paralympic World Cup

2006-05-08T18:52:00.000Z

Being Sascha's twin, I managed to get 10 minutes of time within his hectic schedule to speak about the World Cup. Here's his reaction to Saturday's impressive swim...

'WOW', going into this years world cup i was dissapionted that i didn't have the chance to defend my 100m breaststroke title as the race was not chosen this year. However, I was instead invited to swim the 50m fly as 1 was ranked 6th in the world and the top 8 in the world were to compete.

Going into the event I knew it would be tougth to win a medal against Igor Plotnikov the World Record holder and the Paralympic Silver medalist Daniel Vidal. I had nothing to lose and gave the race everything from the start.

Daniel was on my left and as i breath to that side I could see him throughout the race. With 15m to go i was still with him and knew I had a strong finish so put my head down and went for the wall. I spotted the finish perfectly and clocked 33.02 seconds, a new British Record. I was also shocked to see I had won with Daniel second and Igor down in 4th. I was the new world number 1 in a race I have never excelled in.

I will now add this race to my repitour and swim it at the Worlds later this year providing I qualify in july. I would say this topped last years victory in the 100m Breaststroke as iwas a rank outsider but triumphed.

This is up there with one of my best races over the last few years. Bring on bejing 2008!!!

If you want to post a question to Sascha or Nyree, email thegoldencouple@hotmail.com.

In the News - 6th May 2006

2006-05-07T15:38:00.000Z

Sascha breaks own British Record to win in Manchester

Yesterday saw the build up to the 2nd Visa Paralympic World Cup come to a spectacular end with Sascha Kindred beating the favourites and his own British Record in a high quality field for the S6 50m Butterfly event.

Having broken the British record only 4 weeks earlier and moving up the rankings to third in the World, Sascha entered the event in superb form, but with the World record holder also in the race, he was always knowledgable that he'd have to pull something special out of the bag to win.

Sascha was drawn in an outside lane and started off well but was pressed to keep up with the flying start by Xu of China and the world record holder Igor. But as the field began to tire, and with his rivals in his sight, Sascha's stamina showed as he stormed ahead to finish in a time of 33.02 seconds, beating his previous best by 0.7 seconds.

Sascha was clearly over the moon and said, "I've worked very hard on my butterfly over the past two years and I'm finally reaping the rewards and hopefully it will help me in my medley racing."

"This is probably my number three event and I finished sixth in Athens so this is a huge boost for me ahead of the World Championships in South Africa later this year."

There was also other success for the pool for Sascha's fellow brits including:

Gold: Andrew Lindsay, Matt Walker, Jim Anderson
Silver: Natalie Jones, James Crisp
Bronze: Anthony Stephens, Claire Cashmore

To read more on the BBC's disability sport site, visit:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/other_sports/disability_sport/default.stm.

Sascha's response to his impressive swim will be posted shortly.

In the News

2006-04-30T18:48:00.000Z

Sascha features in an article from todays Sunday Times which previews the upcoming World Cup in Manchester. Click on the images below to find out more...

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