Born: 5th May 1979

Place: South Shields

The Early Years: I would love nothing more than to tell you that I was great at everything I touched or did as a youngster, and I would love it even more if I could say that I was especially talented at swimming - but I was neither. As a youngster growing up I enjoyed playing outside on weekends and anytime I could playing tiggy (or tag), involved in football, judo, outdoor activity groups or anything that involved time with my friends. Whilst I was never as good as my friends at the sports we played together it didn't stop me being the competitive one.

Learning to swim: I loved learning to swim and my parents really didn't have much option, but to get me into swim classes at Temple Park Leisure Centre in South Shields, because I showed no fear of the water but also had no skills to enjoy the water... so off to lessons it was for me. I can distinctly remember living for the next swimming lesson each Saturday morning, the session would go so so quickly and I would always be the last one out, holding up the next swimming lesson.
School: Ashley Road Primary School in South Shields was my first school where I moved onto secondary school to Mortimer Comprehensive (Community College).

More than just a hobby: Once my parents (Lynn & Tony) introduced me to the pool, as a baby, it was clear that swimming was always going to be an important part of my life.

After learning to swim I wanted to move my swimming skills on further and so I joined a swimming club. Little did I know but it was here that I was to meet the most amazing people that would help me to embark on my dream and my journey of chasing Olympic Gold!!!

Achievements:

2001 - World University Games Beijing, China (5th in final 100m breaststroke)
2003 - British & Commonwealth Record Holder 100m Breaststroke
2003 - European Championship Finalist 100m breaststroke, Dublin, Ireland European Championships
2004 - Olympic Games, Athens, Greece, 200m breaststroke, Semi Final
2005 - World Championships finalist 100m & 50m Breaststroke (5th & 6th position), Montreal, Canada
2005 - European Bronze medallist in 4x50m medley relay, Trieste, Italy. European Championships
2005 - Newcastle Sports Council Sports Performer of the Year
2006 - Double Commonwealth Champion, Commonwealth Record Holder, Melbourne, Australia, Commonwealth Games
2006 - Bronze Medallist World Championship, 50m Breaststroke, Shanghai, China
2006 - Bronze Medallist European championships, Budapest, Hungary. European Champs, 4x100m medley relay
2006 - BBC North East Sports Personality of the Year
2008 - British & Commonwealth Record, first British male to break the 60 second barrier, (59.88) 100m breaststroke
2008 - Olympic Finalist, Beijing, Olympic Games, 6th Position 4x100m medley relay (British Record)

Represented Great Britain on over 30 representations

The Here & Now: After competing for Great Britain for nearly 10 years Chris hung up the trunks in 2009 and retired from international swimming. After a career which saw him rise to being Double Commonwealth Champion, British Record holder, Commonwealth Record holder, World Medallist, European Medallist & Olympic Finalist Chris now uses his experience and knowledge to help others to achieve their goals and dreams!
Chris uses his unique story to inspire people of all ages and disciplines to follow their dreams and ambitions, believing he has the success tools to help anyone, yes anyone to achieve their dreams.