We talked to Paralympic Swimming Champion Liz Johnson about discovering the London Olympic Village, how it feels to win and her guilty food pleasures. Liz won gold at Beijing in 2008 and silver medal in 2004 Athens Olympics for the 100m breast stroke, as well as numerous other medals and records.
Here is our Q&A with Liz at the BT House at BT London Live.
Olympic Village
Liz had the honour of laying the final tile at the Aquatics Centre on the Olympic Park – what does it look like now it’s all finished?
The venue’s absolutely amazing – as you walk up to it, the design really hits you.
How’s the atmosphere?
It’s intense, there are 2000 people at the trials, and you have the intense focus on the pool – I’m excited to get inside and swim!
What’s your favourite part of the Village and why?
Only been to the pool so far – I want to focus on my event first and then explore and take everything else in.
Are there any surprises or things you didn’t expect to find?
Not yet! but that might be down to how little I’ve explored!
Liz Johnson getting in the spirit at BT House, Hyde Park. 28 July 2012
Winning
You said that winning in Beijing was the best moment of your life, but you didn’t realise how good winning felt.
Can you tell us what it feels like to win?
I just want to win again! Winning at 2012, I’d enjoy it so much more, you’re so focused the first time. Beijing was a surreal experience – in London I’d have the chance to take everything in.
Any tips on how to win?
Follow your dreams and don’t give up. Use your disappointments to fuel your ambition.
On Milk and Diet
You’ve said how much you love fresh milk and found it tough to find any non-UHT milk in Beijing.
So are there other food things you enjoy/can’t live without?
Weetabix with honey and, of course, milk!
What foods do you need for training?
Athlete’s can eat lots – that’s one major benefit! You work out so hard, training and competing you have to eat LOADS!
What foods do you enjoy on a day off? or a guilty food pleasure?
Fish and Chips or Roast Dinners!!!!
We caught up with Liz Johnson from BT House at BT London Live, to see who else will be there and what’s on offer head to http://www.btlondonlive.com/ You can also follow Liz on twitter: @lizjohnson_gb and keep up-to-date with @BTLondon2012
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