One minute with …. Michael Gunning
In the run up to the Tokyo Olympics we grabbed a minute with Stockport Metro’s star swimmer and Olympic hopeful Micheal Gunning to ask him about, Stockport, his hero and how he was preparing for such a big world stage.
What do you most associate with Stockport?
The beautiful Town Hall. I’ve been lucky to have visited a few times during ‘National Schools Sports Week’ and ‘World War II Day’ and it really feels like a place that brings everyone together. The architecture is incredible, and its placed in the Centre of Stockport.
If somebody was visiting Stockport for the first time, what would you recommend they do?
Go swimming! I’m definitely bias when I say this (haha) but Stockport Metro Swimming Club has been the home of many incredible Olympians throughout the years, and the pool facilities are fantastic. You can use the gym, sauna and steam room, and even take a ride on the slides… (however, most of my time is spent in the 50M swimming pool swimming lengths).
What do you think makes Stockport special?
During lockdown, we found so many amazing trial walks and nature routes right on our doorstep, and it really made us see how lucky we are to live where we do. Lyme Park’s National Trust, the Roman Lakes and Bramall Hall are some of my favourite locations here up North.
Stockport Metro and the team swimmers have had some amazing success – why do you think this is the case?
Stockport Metro is more than just a Swimming Club, it’s a swimming family. From the grassroots levels of swimming, all the way to the very top in the International Squad, we all look out for one another both as people and athletes. If I’m away at a competition, I know I’ve got an the amazing support from everyone back at home, and we often visit the younger swimmers too and check on their progress. The support means everything to an athlete.
Who is you’re hero and why?
Rebecca Adlington. I remember watching her win her two gold medals in the Beijing Olympics, and now to live with her here in Stockport and have the great friendship we have, I know I’m extremely lucky, and feel truly inspired everyday.
If you could give advice to any up-and-coming young, local swimmers, what advice would you give?
Believe in yourself! and I don’t mean just in your mind, I mean in your heart and soul. For a long time, I always thought I could achieve success, but deep down I didn’t believe it, but anything is possible if you’re willing to work hard at it, and believe in the impossible.
How has the Covid pandemic impacted on your preparations for Tokyo?
Although swimming is an individual sport, I really rely on my coach and teammates to get me through every day and every session, so going into lockdown and having to train on my own (as the only ‘elite’ athlete) has been extremely tough. I still have my sights set on qualifying for Tokyo, and hopefully see my Olympic dream come true.
And just for fun …. how many bricks do you think there are in Stockport Viaduct?
Hmmm, I have no idea, but my guess would be 2 million.
