ECSC Member History Feature No.5 - May

This month's featured member of ECSC is our former Captain Dominic Wooldridge, or DJ as he known to most people who know him! DJ joined ECSC when he was 10 years old, as his older brother was already swimming with us. However, DJ recognised that for the initial few years of swimming with us that he didn't buy into the ethos of training hard and pushing himself and that's why he didn't gain a Devon qualifying time until he was 14 years old. This goes to show that DJ's change in mindset with his training from this point onwards enabled him to go on to huge success. A really great example to swimmers who develop later than others and that it isn't too late to achieve. Success should be a long term goal and that is certainly the ethos of club and our coaches.

DJ went on to great success on a National and British Champs level, all whilst studying for his school exams, before securing a place to study medicine at Exeter University. Again demonstrating, that with the right attitude, time management, self-motivation and hard work, that you can be successful in swimming, as well as academically. DJ couldn’t drive at the time of starting at Uni, so would walk from his University accommodation to Middlemoor for morning training; porridge in hands - sums up that if you really want something, you can make it happen! During his time at Exeter Uni, DJ was able to continue his training with ECSC, under the guidance of our Head Coach Jo John. During this time he had lots of success at the British University Championships, where he was the 'Fastest Fresher' and went on to qualify for World Championship and Olympic trials and also qualified to represent Great Britain at the European University Games.

DJ says "Without doubt my proudest moment in swimming epitomises what Exeter City Swimming Club is all about to me. Leading our medley relay team into an Open National final, qualifying in 31st (we had a 'mare in qualification) to coming 8th in the country with 3 guys who had only just become 'Open' swimmers".

He goes on to say, "Congratulations Exeter Swimming for 125 years of delivering accessible swimming to the people of Exeter and surrounding areas. I cannot thank you enough for sculpting me into the person I have become today. As always, keep smiling".

DJ really epitomises our club mantra by going on to qualify as a Doctor - 'Dedicated to Achievement' - Congratulations Dr Wooldridge!