17.07.24

Bramhall teen back in the pool after injury

An aspiring Olympian who thought she’d never compete again has qualified for the British Swimming Championships.

Nineteen-year-old Eliza Pinkstone, who is from Bramhall and a member of Stockport Metro Swimming club, spent six months out of the pool when she injured her knee.

Now, less than a year later, she’s qualified for the Aquatics GB Summer in Sheffield where she is hoping to prove that her injury is behind her.

Eliza, from Bramhall, was on track for achieving her dreams after winning an English National title for Butterfly and qualifying for Olympic try outs. But the muscle in her knee suddenly tore during a competition, developing a large cyst and resulting in 18 long months of repair and recovery.

She said: “I really thought my swimming career was over. It sounds dramatic, but it’s true. I couldn’t swim. I had to wait three months for surgery and then it took three months to recover.

“Once I did get back in the pool it was like I was back to square one – I was so much slower and it felt like I’d never be good enough to compete again at the same level.”

After 12 months of hard training Eliza is back up to speed, qualifying for Olympic trials in April and the British Swimming Championships, which take place from July 20th.

Eliza, who is an interior design student at Manchester Met Uni, said: “It’s been a really tough year and I never thought I’d be here, so I’m  not putting pressure on myself, but I’d love to get some PBs and reach the finals. I like all the strokes but butterfly is the one I’m best at!”

Eliza, who is a former student at Stockport Grammar and Aquinas College, has been swimming with Stockport Metro since she was nine-years-old.

She juggles her university studies with training seven times a week, waking up at 4.30am for morning training.

She said: “I’d love to become a medallist at British Summer Championships – that would be amazing – but it’s also about just enjoying myself. I love the racing, but I also enjoy the social side too. It’s been a huge part of my life for such a long time I couldn’t imagine doing anything else!”

Rick Hall, who is Head of Performance swimming at Life Leisure, said: “Eliza has had a really tough year, but to come back and qualify for Olympic Trials and the British Swimming Championships less than a year later is just remarkable.”

Eliza will be one of 25 swimmers and four relay teams taking to the pool in Sheffield with Stockport Metro at the weekend.

Back to News

Other News

01.10.24

Just try it, and see where it takes you

Read More
23.09.24

Stay steady and fall-proof your home

Read More
09.09.24

Your health is for life

Read More
28.08.24

Life Leisure’s GP scheme is ‘godsend’ for Stockport Gran battling cancer

Read More
27.08.24

Let us introduce you to your virtual fitness coaches

Read More
20.08.24

Beginners guide to hiking

Read More
12.08.24

Inspiring a healthier, happier life through movement

Read More
07.08.24

Medal glory for Stockport swimmers

Read More
22.07.24

Self-care isn’t selfish

Read More
16.07.24

Life Leisure unveils latest ‘Stockport summer friendly’ sports

Read More
01.07.24

All it takes is one conversation

Read More
20.06.24

Water safety tips for a splashing summer

Read More
04.06.24

Healthy minds, healthy lives

Read More
28.05.24

Building bonds through exercise

Read More
17.04.24

New kit has members head over heels

Read More
01.04.24

Welcome to the family

Read More
18.03.24

Embracing everyday movement

Read More
05.03.24

The key to leading a healthier, more active life

Read More
20.02.24

Why we should all love being active

Read More
12.02.24

Embrace self-love this Valentines Day

Read More
06.02.24

Why Padel is one of the world’s fastest growing sports

Read More
18.01.24

A guide to overcoming gym anxiety

Read More
02.01.24

Don’t sweat, just smile

Read More
19.12.23

Celebrating the joy of physical activity this holiday season

Read More
12.12.23

How swimming can nurture the body and mind

Read More
21.11.23

Embrace the chill: Cold season self-care tips

Read More
16.11.23

Prioritising children’s health and wellbeing

Read More
01.11.23

How exercise can be a powerful form of self-care

Read More
31.10.23

Bridging the gap for families in Stockport

Read More
24.10.23

5 fun and active half-term activities

Read More
05.10.23

Simplify your nutrition with 5-ingredient, 5-step recipes

Read More
02.10.23

5 simple ways to focus on yourself

Read More
28.09.23

Raising funds and spirits for Mind

Read More
26.09.23

The power of togetherness

Read More
13.09.23

National Fitness Day: Your Path to a Healthier You

Read More
22.08.23

Riding the Wave of Excitement: Celebrating the Tour of Britain Race

Read More
09.08.23

Staying fit and active during summer: Tips for motivation

Read More
01.08.23

Life Leisure: More than just a workout

Read More
27.07.23

Train #BetterTogether this International Day of Friendship

Read More
05.07.23

Why being active is even #BetterTogether

Read More
12.06.23

Men’s health week: Men’s health and the internet

Read More
07.06.23

Beginners guide to running

Read More
15.05.23

Mental Health Awareness Week

Read More
01.05.23

Your fitness, your choice

Read More
25.04.23

Spring into fitness

Read More
11.04.23

What’s your choice?

Read More
14.03.23

Spring clean your health!

Read More
13.02.23

Take care of ‘Number One’ this Valentines

Read More
07.02.23

Cycle scheme will provide wheels for all

Read More
10.10.24

Romiley teen rescues two children from drowning

Read More