Swimming star Megan Harries is the latest student at Brecon Beacons College to perform at a national level, after claiming gold at the recent Cardiff Open in November.
Sixteen year-old Megan won the 50m breast-stroke as well as claiming two bronze medals in the 200m individual medley and 100m butterfly, in an incredible display from the youngster.
Megan is currently the girl’s club captain for Merthyr Swimming Club, where she has been since she arrived at Brecon Beacons College (part of NPTC Group of Colleges) to study a BTEC Diploma in Sport Science. She had previously been at Plymouth College, a school that specializes in elite swimming, having started the sport at the age of 12. The move to Mid Wales is one that she feels was right for her career, and is paying off both in and out of the pool.
“I came to Brecon College as I knew I wanted to have a career in sport, whether it was as the performer or aiding other upcoming athletes,” she said.
“I also wanted to become more educated in all of the different aspects of sport and exercise science, and after seeing what the course had to offer I felt this was the best way to do that, I think the course has been helping me with my swimming, too.
“My tutors have helped me to sort out my training schedule, my mental strength and my diet to improve my performance. The course covers all aspects of sport, just like I had hoped and there are plenty of practical activities and training in our gym which can only help me going forward.”
It hasn’t all been plain sailing for Megan, though. The Winter Nationals in Swansea this month saw her return to competitive action after a succession of shoulder injuries kept her out of the pool. After a frustrating time, the Brecon student now looks ahead to competing in the South East Regionals in Newport next February, with one eye on getting into the Welsh squad in the future.
“It was good to compete in Swansea after my injuries, it helped me see where I’m at,” she said.
“My times weren’t awful, but they weren’t great either and I know that I can do better. It’s given me a good idea of what I need to work on, and my coaches and lecturers at college are helping me prepare and get back to my best. It was great to win a gold and two bronze this year and I’m excited to see how I improve within the next year or so. I really want to get back to my best in Newport next February, then see if I can get near the Welsh squad.”
