Birmingham star set to shine in Gallipoli

“It’s something you can only dream of,” says open-water swimming athlete Guy Giles about the upcoming Gallipoli Games.

The 21-year-old is one of 70 university athletes who’ll be representing Great Britain at the event.

He’ll be competing against university athletes from Australia, New Zealand, France, Germany, India and Turkey.

“Everyone knows that Gallipoli was a site of huge losses during World War One,” says Guy.

“However, these Games allow for us all, no matter our backgrounds, to come together through the medium of sport and celebrate the opportunities that we have been given in our lives.”

Guy began competing in swimming at the age of nine.

From the age of 14, he was training professionally.

“I trained 16 hours a week in the pool, while completing at least three hours of land training on top of this per week,” he says.

Guy studies at the University of Birmingham in England’s West Midlands.

His University Swim Team has recently placed fourth in the first and second divisions at the British University and College Sport (BUCS) championships.

“As part of my training I swim in lakes once to twice a week during June, July and August,” he says.

“I am currently in my second year swimming for their Swim Team.”

“The highlight of my open water career, and arguably my swimming career, was winning Gold at the National Open Water 3km race in 2013.”

The next goal for Guy is a gold medal at the Gallipoli Games.

“I can’t wait,” says Guy.

“It has made all the early mornings for the past 11 years’ worth it. The team I’m going out with are all great guys and it is a real bonus to be able to race alongside them and experience the Games together.”

“It is undoubtedly a once in a lifetime opportunity and one that I know I, and the team, will make the most of.”