Kim leads the way (From Bromsgrove Advertiser)

Kim leads the way

10:06am Wednesday 14th February 2007

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A TOP Droitwich swimmer started a ground breaking new coaching programme, which aims to balance sport and education, on Sunday.

Kimberley Briggs, 18, joined the nation's other gifted disabled swimmers to be inducted into the Advanced Apprenticeship in Sporting Excellence (AASE) at Loughborough University.

The programme helps swimmers hone and improve their skills while allowing them to continue their education.

Kimberley, who has Cerebral Palsy, wants to become a swimming coach. She is studing recreation and leisure in Droitwich Spa High School's sixth form and wants to do a BTEC in sport at Pershore College afterwards.

"I want to be a swimming coach when I finish competing, so anything that will help me in my goal to do that is beneficial," said Kimberley.

Kim will be mentored by her West Midlands coach Anna Lavan while participating in the AASE. As part of the programme, athletes will learn about such key subjects as time management, career planning, nutrition, training, and communications.

This valuable experience will go towards preparing them for international competition.

The new AASE programme will work towards enhancing that talent by offering a valuable insight into what is required to succeed on the international stage.

Developed by Skills Active, in association with industry experts and sports governing bodies, the AASE is funded in England by the Learning and Skills Council and aims to meet the needs of young people to achieve excellence in their sport as their main career goal while continuing with their education.

Now the Droitwich resident, who has recovered from a shoulder injury, is preparing for senior events in 2007.

Kim will be part of the England and Wales team competing in Antwerp in May.

"It was quite a shock to realise that you're an adult now and can't race in junior events anymore", said Kim, "I had a shoulder injury in December which I have recovered from.

"As long as I don't swim for too long it's fine," she said.

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