Namita Nayyar:
It is a dream for a swimmer to participate in the iconic Olympics. You took part in 2020 Olympics in Tokyo, you swam the anchor freestyle leg in the Mixed 4 x 100 meter medley relay, and won gold in a new world record time of 3 minutes 37.58 seconds together with Adam Peaty, James Guy and Kathleen Dawson. Tell us more about these landmark achievements of yours?
Anna Hopkin:
This is by far the most incredible moment of my career. The mixed medley relay was on the penultimate day of competition so I already had quite a few races under my belt so I knew I was on form and I could take confidence from this but nothing can quite prepare you for the feeling of going into an Olympic final as favorites to win knowing the entire country is watching. I was on the freestyle leg at the end of the relay so I could watch the race unfold and as it came to the butterfly (the stroke before me) we were starting to take the lead. I remember being incredibly shaky on the blocks watching James Guy swim towards the wall but I focused in, took a deep breath and ignored everything else going on around me, only thinking about nailing the takeover and doing what I do best.
My only job was to maintain the lead the others had created and I swam the best race of my life to make that happen. I remember being about 15m from the finish and daring to look slightly to either side and I couldn’t see anyone else and this gave me the final boost I needed, believing I was in front to hit the wall and see the board, 1st and a new world record. It’s hard to describe that feeling, I just remember wanting to celebrate with the rest of the team. And standing on top of the podium hearing the national anthem was a moment I will never forget.
Namita Nayyar:
In May 2021, at the European Championships held in Budapest, you won gold medals in women’s 4 × 100 meter freestyle, women’s 4 × 100 meter medley, mixed 4 × 100 meter freestyle and mixed 4 × 100 meter medley relays. How does such winning honor being bestowed upon you act as a catalyst in your metriotic rise as a world leading swimmer?
Anna Hopkin:
The European Championships 2021 were one of the best competitions I have competed in. This was our last racing opportunity pre Olympics and we weren’t expecting to be on top form as we were saving this for the Olympics 2 months later. However the entire team swam incredibly and the girls won every relay we competed in which was an incredible moment in time to be a part of. It is often the mens teams that dominate but it really felt like the females owned the show that competition and it gave us all a huge confidence boost going into the summer. I just loved being part of so many races and relays are always incredibly fun and they always bring the best out of me.
Namita Nayyar:
What exercises comprise your fitness regime or workout routine you may wish to share?
Anna Hopkin:
I obviously spend a lot of time in the pool and gym but one area that I would recommend to everyone is Pilates. I would do this once a week on a reformer and it is incredible for whole body control and core strength. If you don’t have access to a reformer, wall Pilates is great too. I would also do work on the TRX which again is great for core strength and body balance.
Namita Nayyar:
How do you train your abs? One secret to your toned body.
Anna Hopkin:
Again the Pilates is probably the most effective way to train your abs in lots of functional ways, so instead of only training abs like sit ups would you’re working your abs whilst also moving your limbs which makes it a lot more challenging. The TRX straps are similar and can be useful if you don’t have access to a reformer.
Namita Nayyar:
Do you take a special diet or have a strict menu that you follow to remain healthy and physically fit?
Anna Hopkin:
I don’t have a really strict diet but I definitely eat healthily, I just try to have a balance. My main priority is ensuring I get enough protein so I would have a protein shake between swim and gym in the morning, eggs for breakfast, tuna for lunch and chicken or fish for dinner. I do like to have something sweet in the evening but this would often be Greek yogurt, fruit and honey.
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