12 for 2012: Jennifer Knobbs / Synchronised Swimmer

Posted by Sport.co.uk on: 14 April 2011 - 12:14
Author: Andrew Allen
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As the London 2012 Olympic Games draw ever closer, Sport.co.uk asks prospective Team GB members about their favourite sporting memories, career highlights and ambitions for the future.

Name?
Jennifer Knobbs

Sport/ Event?
Synchronised Swimming

How did you get into Synchronised Swimming?
When I was younger I did dancing, gymnastics, and a bit of diving and I also passed all my swimming badges by the age of 7. I saw synchronised swimming on TV once and I absolutely fell in love with it. I then went for a try out in Ontario, because I’m from Canada. We tried out at one of the best clubs there and the main coach, who has actually been my coach for my whole life snatched me up and said ‘she definitely has talent and we want her’.

Who has been the biggest influence on your career so far?
I would have to go with my coaches on that. Without them I wouldn’t have gotten where I am today. That would be Julia Warren and Sheila Crockson.

Who were your childhood heroes when you were growing up?
That would be Kerri Strug. She injured her leg during the first of two vaults at Atlanta 1996. She could barely walk but she had to stick the second landing to win her team the gold. She did it. The amount of dedication and the fight in her that really wanted that medal; she just went through the pain, it didn’t matter she did it- because she wanted it

What is your favourite Olympic moment?
There is actually two – In the 2002 Winter Olympics when the Canadian figure skating pair ended up coming second because of a crooked French judge who marked the Russian team higher. Eventually the Russian team they got their medal taken away from them and Canada came first. So that was really exciting. Then my second one was actually last year when Michael Phelps won all those medals last time in Beijing.

What has been the toughest part of your training in the build up to 2012?
All the hours that we put into it. We train eight hours a day, sometimes even longer, seven days a week and during those hours we just get killed. So I would have to say the actual physical training. Despite all the training I don’t get jealous of my friends. I grew up like that so I never really was jealous of them because I love this sport more than anything, and if wanted to get to the 2012 Olympics, at the time I needed to do it so it hasn’t even crossed my mind

So what are you most looking forward to about the London Games?
Competing in front of a home crowd. That is amazing. I know London’s not exactly my home because I‘m from Canada but it’s still my home crowd, I’m still British. It’s still going to be amazing so I urge everyone to get tickets and be part of the experience.

What are your ambitions for 2012?
We are hoping to come top 6, but we are also hoping to really build a foundation for the next crop of synchronised swimmers. It does take a while to step up in the world, and we are looking to go out and showing that Britain is amazing, we are good and we are a force to be reckoned with.

Which events outside of your own are you looking forward to watching?
Definitely, swimming is always one of my favourite ones, it’s always so exciting. And then I would also like to see some gymnastics and some horseback riding if I can. My sister is into horse riding and all my family is coming over, so it would be great to enjoy her sport with her and learn a little more about it as well.

What’s been the proudest moment of your career so far?
That would be making the British team. I’ve been on the Canadian team for 4 years and I had a really good time but making the switch, and coming over here and being part of the team and really getting that bond together to go to the Olympics has been an amazing experience.
If you were not a sportsperson what would you be doing?
I’d still be in school studying. I started a year of university when I was back at home and starting my psychology degree. So eventually I’d be some kind of Psychologist, not sure what type, but yes definitely would be in school /university.