British Swimming are teaming up with the Royal Navy in a partnership which will see the two organisations showcase the multiple opportunities available to recruits and the possibilities of a career in the Royal Navy.
The two organisations share natural parralels of dedication and hard work and deliver a unique way of life within a team of passionate people who are proud to represent their country.
Dave McNulty, Michael Jamieson and Keri-anne Payne visited HMS Temeraire in Portsmouth - home to the Director of Naval Physical Development - to celebrate the collaboration by taking part in the Royal Navy swimming test.
Payne and Jamieson took part in the test and then helped two potential Royal Navy recruits through the process, giving tips and advice from their own British Swimming background.
Having seen what the training recruits go through and seeing the world class physical development facilities available, both Michael and Keri-anne felt a career in the Royal Navy could have been an option for them.
“Being able to represent your country at any level is a real privilege and something I’ve been lucky enough to do for several years now," said Jamieson. "That sense of pride and identity is something I think I share with the people I’ve met today in the Royal Navy."
Payne added: “I’ve loved every second of today. Teamwork has been the focus and the camaraderie between everyone we’ve met has been incredible. It also brought out my competitive side and I want to try the test again because the Royal Navy ratings were so much quicker than me!”
Captain Mark Cameron said: “By developing a relationship with British Swimming the Royal Navy is able to demonstrate that there are many more parallels than people might realise. The Royal Navy might offer one career but there are many opportunities within that and if recruits are particularly passionate about a sport, like swimming, then we can support that. I can clearly see in Michael and Keri-anne the qualities we look for in personnel: leadership, camaraderie, courage and passion.”
The partnership will evolve over the coming months with the two parties exploring further ways to share knowledge and training skills with a view to forging a longer term relationship to promote careers within the Royal Navy.