Business management

Team GB’s Alice Dearing on building a purposeful business

In this episode of the NatWest Business Show, Angellica talks to swimming trailblazer and business founder, Alice Dearing.

23 Jul 2024 . 1 min

Alice Dearing was the first black woman to represent Team GB as a swimmer. After her swimming career Alice then co-founded the Black Swimming Association and Swym, (Swim With Your Meaning), a global swimming initiative for people across the world to enjoy and embrace all that swimming offers.

Alice’s Confession:

“I nearly gave up swimming early on. I had a rough season in 2017. I was 20 years old, so quite young. But there was the pressure of being set a target to finish, I believe it was top 15 at the World Championships. And I finished 25th. And because of that, I was taken off funding, so I lost my money to be able to swim and was kicked out of the training group.

“I got a phone call that I was out of the training group, and then 10 minutes later I got another call telling me that I was off the funding. And I just sat in my room at university and started crying. I was like, okay, I need to reassess."

When you have those moments of failure, or weakness, it's about who's around you and making sure that you have the right tools to bring yourself back up.

Alice Dearing,

Team GB Swimmer and advocate for black swimming

Alice’s advice to other athletes on preparing for the future

“Please don't put all of your eggs into one basket with your sport. It is dangerous. I'm going to be quite blunt and honest. Injury, burnout, your coach moving. Something small that seems insignificant can really have a ripple effect on your career. And before you know it, you might've lost your funding, group sponsorship or something like that.

“We all want to be the best and do our best, but even if it's just a coaching course or a photography course or something that you're interested in outside of your sport, nurture that as much as you can within reason. Keep your options open”.

Watch the episode to find out more about Alice’s inspirational career and transition to business founder.

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