We spoke to the hallam olympian who’s never been to Corp
Get this boy a blue pint
Doing it for the Steel City in the Rio Olympics is Hallam physiotherapy student, Max Litchfield, swimming in the men’s 400m individual medley.
Back in April Max dominated the pool in the British Swimming Championships, which act as the UK’s Olympic Trials, swimming the 400m individual medley with a time of 4:12.05, beating the qualifying time of 04:12.08. This performance marked a new personal best, but also the 8th fastest performance in the world this season for the 400m.
Plus as a nice little cherry on top, Max was also crowned ‘BUCS Sportsman of the Year’ in July.
The Tab caught up with Max, all the way from Rio whilst moving into the Olympic Village; we talked training, celebrations, and Corp:
How does it feel to actually be in the Olympics? Did you ever think this would be a reality?
It’s an amazing feeling, from the moment I qualified it has all been a great experience and now I am about to move into the Village the ‘Olympic’ dream is starting to come true.
I always knew and hoped I had what it takes to make the Olympics, but that moment when I made the team and secured my spot was out of this world, and was great to finally reflect the effort I put in in training.
What do you most enjoy about the sport?
I guess the lifestyle really, being able to say you are an athlete or swimmer, and to be able to do what you love day in day out.
How much do you train every week?
A normal training week would consist of ten two hour swim sessions, covering on average around 60,000-70,000m per week. Alongside this we would do five land based/strength and conditioning sessions, including two weights sessions down at the EIS.
What is your pre-race ritual?
Its kind of weird, but in the swimming world there is a lot of slapping of body parts. I often slap my legs getting onto the block, it gets the blood flowing and the muscles firing. Then like to stand tall, look down the pool and take a big breath in, focussing myself on the race.
Do you find it tough balancing your studies with swimming?
It can be tough at times, but its just a matter of being organised and making sure you are on top of everything and having a plan of action for everyday.
What are you going to do to celebrate if you win a medal? (Which is obviously going to happen)
If I was to win a medal, I’m not sure what I would do to be honest. I would be absolutely over the moon, probably cry, laugh, not sure really.
Does swimming affect how often you go out on the lash?
I never go out on ‘the lash’, swimming is a very disciplined sport in and out of the the pool. Drinking and staying out until late is not optimum for performance and recovery and would hinder future sessions or competition. I would go out occasionally in the summer or perhaps in the week off after the trials.
What’s your favourite night out in Sheffield?
Not really been on many (actually only 2 in my life) but I really enjoyed Hallam Nation after the Varsity Ice Hockey this year.
Which colour Corp pint do you go for?
Never actually been to corp, so not quite sure what the best option is (From what I have heard, steering clear is probably the best option).
Tune into Rio on Saturday for the Men’s 400m Individual Relay to cheer Max onto Sunday’s final, doing it for GB but most importantly for good old Sheffield.