Part 2: It’s a balancing act ⚖️
When she was younger, Brock’s parents encouraged her to take breaks aways from the pool and spend time with friends. Having a life outside of the pool is important. On a personal note, Brock is buying a bungalow this year near her training venue. Having something positive to think about outside of the pool keeps her motivated.
She cautions however that when you do turn up to the pool, that it’s better to go six times and give 100% than go ten times a week and not give your best effort every time. Making pool time count is what will make you successful. She also reflects on everyone’s journey being different. “It might take ten years to be the most successful athlete you can be, or it might take five. You’ve got to let that journey happen and make it the most enjoyable experience it can be. A happy athlete is a fast athlete.”
Her inspiration comes from her swimming community and in particular, she’s followed Ellie Simmonds and her journey from a young age. Luck would have it that back in 2019 at a camp, she ended up being Ellie’s roommate. Their friendship has continued and today they regularly message each other. Brock says: “It’s not the things she’d told me about swimming that have got me to where I am today. I think it’s the experiences that she’s shared with me outside of the pool, like how she deals with certain situations and general balance in the pool and outside that have made the biggest impact. She is incredible and I want younger athletes to be inspired by me in the same way.”
Giving back to the swimming community that has nurtured her, she says: “I’m more than happy for a younger swimmer or their parents to drop me a message for advice, like what to eat before a race or what suit I’d recommend. That’s what the swimming community is. You’re here to share your knowledge and help others.”