words Jane Williams pictures Steve Pope
set to race against Michael risen in Wales, yet Haffield remains little at City of Cardiff, certainly doesn’t leave
phelps in Beijing, Tom Haffield known outside of aquatic circles. But he is time for hobbies and socialising. He
asks that no comparison is certainly the new kid on the block and is doesn’t even have the patience to sit and
drawn and insists to Jane sure to turn heads very shortly. watch films – instead he prefers to watch
Williams that he is his own man. The Dog Whisperer and Bargain Hunt.
This year, he has made massive waves. He Not the popular viewing option for most
“I have a lot of respect for him but I won’t has jumped from being the world’s 86th 20-year-olds but, then, Haffield is not
be afraid,” explains Haffield in the cafe at fastest 400m individual medley swimmer of exactly your average man.
the Welsh Institute of Sport. all time to the number 10 spot.
He admits to have some very strange
Comparisons with America’s six-time It is a far cry from his introduction to quirks: “In training, I used to sing or hum
Olympic gold medallist will no doubt swimming. underwater. But I don’t do it anymore
dominate this summer. Yet, the 400m because I’ve got it into my head that it’s
individual medley swimmer says, “Because “My Dad used to throw me in the deep end bad luck. I have to stop myself because I
I am ranked fourth in the world, I’ll be when I was little – I was only about three think it’ll make me train bad!”
seeded in the lane next to him. or four years old. It was a case of sink or
swim! I managed to stay alive though! I And he’s not your average swimmer: “I’m
“I don’t really like to be compared to him. I don’t have many childhood memories but I 5ft 11 which is quite small for a swimmer.
just have to swim my own race.” do remember that!” I like racing the big guys as they don’t
think I can beat them. I have to work
He remembers watching Phelps race in Though the approach may have worked for harder though. I put more hours in the
Athens four years ago. Of course, back Haffield, he is quick to issue a “don’t try pool and work hard on my technique. I
then, he was just 16 and he was watching this at home” disclaimer! spend a lot of time getting my strokes
the action from his parents’ home in perfect.”
Neath. Now, his life revolves around training and
competing. His alarm clock sounds starts Yet, he’s clearly demonstrated that size
This time though, things are altogether bright and early at 5:15am and he’s out of doesn’t matter. He sealed his spot in
different. At the time of writing, he is the pool by 8:30am. Beijing with a Commonwealth record-
packing his bags, having been handed 72kg breaking swim at the British trials:
of GB kit, for the British Swimming holding After an Ian Botham-style breakfast of
camp in Osaka. Haffield will be into final four Weetabix and a banana, followed by “The time I did was a shock. I’d like
preparations but he will also be able to toast with Nutella or the unusual combo to make the final in Beijing. I’m ranked
catch up with friend and team-mate David of peanut butter and jam – he heads for a fourth but making an Olympic final is
Davies: sleep. It’s back to the pool by 4pm and then by no means easy. The rankings can go
lympians - Tom Haffield
an early night: right out of the window and there are
o
“David’s my room-mate at the holding always surprises. I’d like to get as much
camp. I don’t get to see much of him “I can’t function without naps during the experience as possible, hopefully heading
these days so it’ll be good to catch up. I’ve day. If I don’t sleep, I’m a mess come the into London 2012”
roomed with him before and he doesn’t evening.”
snore!” “I’m most looking forward to London,
All in all, he notches up 25 hours in the above anything else in my career. I’ll be
Since Davies’ podium place at the Athens water and a staggering 53 miles. His 24 which is a great age for a swimmer. I
Olympics, the profile of swimming has regime, led by coaching guru Dave Haller should be at my peak.”
S
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