Claire Cashmore - Paralympic Swimmer Beijing 2008
Claire with two 'Silver Medals' from the 2006 IPC World Championships in Durban
My name is Claire Cashmore from Kelly College and I am swimmer off to Beijing to compete in my second Paralympic Games for Great Britain. I competed in Athens at the age of 16 and was fortunate enough to win two unexpected bronze medals in the 100 backstroke and 200 Individual Medley. This made me realise that all those early morning starts had paid off.
I was born without my left forearm and have consequently learnt how to adapt to life without it. If anything, it has made me more determined to prove to others that there is very little that I can’t do.
My classification is S9 in all strokes apart from breaststroke where I am SB8.
Before Athens I lived in Kidderminster and trained at Wyre Forest Swimming club, Steve Joyce and all the other coaches were responsible for my preparation and all did a great job, thank you again to all. Post Athens I decided to move to Kelly College a specialist sports school in Devon for my A levels, which helped balance my academic and swimming lives. I have been lucky enough to work with Robin Brew for four years which is a whole Paralympic cycle. Robin was selected as a coach to join us in Beijing which for me personally is really important as he understands me as an individual.
I just wanted to thank everyone for their support and I will keep you posted on my progress out in Beijing. We leave on Saturday 23rd August.
- can’t wait!
September 5th, 2008 at 6:59 pm
hey clair,
just a quick note to say good luck we will be supporting you all of the way all of us back home will be glued to the TV! we know you will give them all a run for there money just remember were u started off in your interveiws!!!!
Good Luck
You Go Girl
Your Mate Scottie
and all at wyre forest
September 5th, 2008 at 10:21 pm
Hi Claire
We are all really looking forward to seeing you swim. Come and see us at WFSC with all your medals. Lots of luck. Swim well. Love from the Barnett family xxxx
September 6th, 2008 at 11:53 am
Hiya Claire!!!!!!! You probably dont know me because I joined Wyre Forest just as you went to Kelly Collage, but I really want to say Good luck at the Paralympics. We are all rooting for you down at WFSC and hope you come home with lots of medals!! I know you will be amazing so have fun and go for GOLD !!!
Love from Hannah McCreedy xxx
September 6th, 2008 at 9:40 pm
Good luck
i’ll be watching out for u on tv of course!! im so excited lol the opening ceremony looked amazing have a great time swim well… i know u will. see u wen you get back 
lots of love
Fran x x x
September 7th, 2008 at 7:04 pm
Good luck Clare. I really believe you will gain what you want!
Love from Ting
September 11th, 2008 at 11:24 am
Hi Clare
This is to say all the best from us. I am your dad’s cousin but we get all news of your upcoming events from Rachel and Uncle Peter. The whole family watches you and shouts you on! Good luck
Ali x
September 16th, 2008 at 9:51 pm
Hi Claire.
Well done, we watched long and hard to spot you. It makes it so much more exiting to have someone you know competing.
All the best. Hope to see you again
xx