“Experienced Competitive Swimmer (9+ Years) – Classes Now Continued by May Takeuchi, College Mate & Swim Coach (10+ Years in Japan)”

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• At what age did you start playing sports? Tell us about this time or moment in your life.

  I started playing sports at the age of 7. At that time, football was my favourite, but later, swimming changed my life. It helped me not only in my career but also physically and mentally. Since I have asthma, swimming was a huge benefit, improving my fitness and allowing me to perform better in other sports that I struggled with when I was younger.

• What are your favourite sports; those that you practise at a high level, a simple hobby, and a sport that you'd still like to discover?

  Swimming is the sport I practised at a high level, as I competed in nationals during my school days. Football has always been a sport I enjoyed as a hobby. As for a sport I'd like to discover, I'd love to explore new water-based sports or even something completely different to challenge myself.

• What gives you the motivation and passion to pursue your sport?

  Swimming has given me so much, from improving my health to opening up career opportunities. The benefits it brought to my physical fitness and mental strength keep me motivated. Overcoming asthma and becoming stronger through swimming continues to drive my passion for the sport.

• Do you have a sporting achievement that you're particularly proud of?

  Winning nationals in swimming was a big achievement for me, but the one I'm most proud of is winning a water polo tournament. It might sound funny compared to nationals, but what made it special was that my team had no formal training. We worked hard in a short period, and winning felt like something out of a movie.

• How have your achievements and challenges made you a better sportsperson?

  My journey has taught me resilience and adaptability. Facing health challenges like asthma and still excelling in swimming made me mentally stronger. Achievements like winning nationals and the water polo tournament showed me that hard work and teamwork can make anything possible.

• If you had to go for a jog with a famous athlete, who would you choose? And what questions would you ask them?

  I would go for a jog with Antoine Griezmann. I would ask him about his time at Atlético Madrid, his experiences playing under Diego Simeone, and how he stayed motivated throughout his career.

• How do you help people stay motivated?

  I always remind people that progress takes time and that consistency is key. I share my own experiences of overcoming challenges, like dealing with asthma, to show that anything is possible with determination. Encouraging others and setting small, achievable goals helps keep motivation high.

• What makes you a Superprof in sports?

  My personal experience with overcoming physical challenges, competing at a high level, and achieving success in both individual and team sports gives me a deep understanding of what it takes to improve. I know how to push through obstacles and help others reach their potential, whether it's in swimming, fitness, or general sports training.