Latest News
March 2013
Hard work continues to pay off for Ollie
Ollie continues to progress well in and out of the water, with encouraging performances at the British International meet in Leeds. In a busy competitive programme, Ollie swam well in all his events including the 200m Individual Medley and 400m Freestyle. Outside of the water, Ollie was again in Yorkshire, to open the new hydrotherapy pool at the Ryegate Centre for Sheffield Childrens Hospital.
Hard work continues to pay off for Ollie
Ollie continues to progress well in and out of the water, with encouraging performances at the British International meet in Leeds. In a busy competitive programme, Ollie swam well in all his events including the 200m Individual Medley and 400m Freestyle. Outside of the water, Ollie was again in Yorkshire, to open the new hydrotherapy pool at the Ryegate Centre for Sheffield Childrens Hospital.
February 2013
Success for Ollie at the Nottinghamshire Sports Awards
At the 21st Nottinghamshire Sports Awards this month, Ollie achieved more recognition for his leading performances at the London 2012 Paralympic Games. Ollie, who won gold, silver and bronze medals to make him the leading swimmer on the Paralympic GB team was jointly awarded as winner in the Achievement of the Year category with Equestrian Paralympian Sophie Wells.
In a great night for those who had worked with Ollie to take him to the podium, coaches Glenn Smith and Tim Stephenson were also recognised for their accomplishments. Ollie said “It has been a really special evening where we can all catch up with all our friends from the Team GB & Paralympics GB squads to celebrate a great year of sport across the county."
December 2012
MBE for Ollie completes a year to remember
Ollie Hynd was today awarded an MBE in the Queens New Years honours list for services to swimming, describing this as the ‘perfect’ way to round off an amazing year. Ollie, who is 18 from Kirkby in Ashfield, already began the year as European Champion following a set of superb debut performances on his international debut in Berlin.
Ollie was quick to pay tribute to those who had helped him achieve his success this year, including his coaches, family and friends:
“It is such an honour to be awarded an MBE, especially as such a young person, and I am very humbled. I want to say a big thank you to those who have worked and supported me to achieve success in the water, in particular my family and coaches Glenn, Jill and Tim.”
Success in London was achieved in dramatic circumstances, after he broke his wrist during the first Paralympic swimming trials in London. At one stage even attending the games was in doubt, but with the aid of support from medical and coaching staff, Ollie was able to work his way back to peak fitness in time for the games. A major inspiration for him during that difficult time was his idol, Michael Phelps, who sustained a similar injury before going on to competitive success. Ollie said:
“I was devastated after I had my injury, but knew that Phelps had a similar thing happen to him and went on to great things. Very quickly, I set my goal on going from being in my cast to becoming Paralympic Champion, and never looked
back”
A full set of medals in London followed, as Ollie brought home the gold medal after victory in the 200m Individual Medley, silver in the 400m Freestyle, and bronze in the 100m Backstroke. This set of performances meant that Ollie was the most successful male swimmer on the Paralympics GB team at London 2012.
The hard work has already started again for Ollie ahead of the World swimming championships in Canada next year. He has recently returned from a training camp in Dubai, and has already been back in competition. Outside of his training things have also been busy for Ollie with numerous appearances, talks and undertaking charitable work for the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign and Variety.
Christmas approaches
As we approach the end of a busy and successful Paralympic year, Ollie continues to work hard. There was also more success for Ollie as he was named Disabled Sports Person of the Year at the Mansfield Sports Recognition Awards, which was a great honour. Ollie also appeared at the Ashfield Christmas light switch on, helping to kick start the festive season where a good time was had by all.
Success for Ollie at the Nottinghamshire Sports Awards
At the 21st Nottinghamshire Sports Awards this month, Ollie achieved more recognition for his leading performances at the London 2012 Paralympic Games. Ollie, who won gold, silver and bronze medals to make him the leading swimmer on the Paralympic GB team was jointly awarded as winner in the Achievement of the Year category with Equestrian Paralympian Sophie Wells.
In a great night for those who had worked with Ollie to take him to the podium, coaches Glenn Smith and Tim Stephenson were also recognised for their accomplishments. Ollie said “It has been a really special evening where we can all catch up with all our friends from the Team GB & Paralympics GB squads to celebrate a great year of sport across the county."
December 2012
MBE for Ollie completes a year to remember
Ollie Hynd was today awarded an MBE in the Queens New Years honours list for services to swimming, describing this as the ‘perfect’ way to round off an amazing year. Ollie, who is 18 from Kirkby in Ashfield, already began the year as European Champion following a set of superb debut performances on his international debut in Berlin.
Ollie was quick to pay tribute to those who had helped him achieve his success this year, including his coaches, family and friends:
“It is such an honour to be awarded an MBE, especially as such a young person, and I am very humbled. I want to say a big thank you to those who have worked and supported me to achieve success in the water, in particular my family and coaches Glenn, Jill and Tim.”
Success in London was achieved in dramatic circumstances, after he broke his wrist during the first Paralympic swimming trials in London. At one stage even attending the games was in doubt, but with the aid of support from medical and coaching staff, Ollie was able to work his way back to peak fitness in time for the games. A major inspiration for him during that difficult time was his idol, Michael Phelps, who sustained a similar injury before going on to competitive success. Ollie said:
“I was devastated after I had my injury, but knew that Phelps had a similar thing happen to him and went on to great things. Very quickly, I set my goal on going from being in my cast to becoming Paralympic Champion, and never looked
back”
A full set of medals in London followed, as Ollie brought home the gold medal after victory in the 200m Individual Medley, silver in the 400m Freestyle, and bronze in the 100m Backstroke. This set of performances meant that Ollie was the most successful male swimmer on the Paralympics GB team at London 2012.
The hard work has already started again for Ollie ahead of the World swimming championships in Canada next year. He has recently returned from a training camp in Dubai, and has already been back in competition. Outside of his training things have also been busy for Ollie with numerous appearances, talks and undertaking charitable work for the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign and Variety.
Christmas approaches
As we approach the end of a busy and successful Paralympic year, Ollie continues to work hard. There was also more success for Ollie as he was named Disabled Sports Person of the Year at the Mansfield Sports Recognition Awards, which was a great honour. Ollie also appeared at the Ashfield Christmas light switch on, helping to kick start the festive season where a good time was had by all.
Ollie also was featured in the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign's target magazine and had a cameo role, appearing in the charities advent calendar. The majority of the month for Ollie will be spent abroad at a winter training camp, due to arrive home just in time for Christmas!
October and November 2012
Ollie has had a busy couple of months, completing several activities and engagements as well as undertaking his usual training and study commitments. Highlights include work with the children’s charity Variety on a promotional photo shoot, an appearance in a charity calendar which will be hitting the shelves nationally (more details to come soon!) and an appearance on the Paralympian Store Tour for Sainsburys. In addition, Ollie has signed off a sponsorship deal with a local company, which will help fund his road to Rio! If you would like to work with Ollie, feel free to see how you can do so or get in touch.
Ollie has had a busy couple of months, completing several activities and engagements as well as undertaking his usual training and study commitments. Highlights include work with the children’s charity Variety on a promotional photo shoot, an appearance in a charity calendar which will be hitting the shelves nationally (more details to come soon!) and an appearance on the Paralympian Store Tour for Sainsburys. In addition, Ollie has signed off a sponsorship deal with a local company, which will help fund his road to Rio! If you would like to work with Ollie, feel free to see how you can do so or get in touch.
Ollie posing for the Variety photo shoot with Tom Wren
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Ollie at the Sainsburys Store Tour in Mansfield
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A further noteworthy event was the publication of the Paralympics GB Medallists Tube Map. See if you can spot Ollie's station at http://shop.tfl.gov.uk/design-collections/maps/product/paralympicsgb-medallists-map.html. During November, you will also be able to see Ollie at the Mansfield Christmas light switch on and in action at the national Short Course Swimming Championships at Ponds Forge in Sheffield from the 24th-25th.
September 2012
Ollie has had an amazing Paralympic Games in London, winning a gold medal in the 200m Individual Medley, a silver medal in the 400m Freestyle, and a Bronze in the 100m Backstroke. These performances represented an exceptional achievement and a huge thank you for all the support extended to Ollie during the games. Ollie also enjoyed participating in homecoming parades in London, Mansfield and Ashfield, with his famous gold post box now also in Kirkby!
June and July 2012
As you may expect, times are increasingly busy for Ollie as his first Paralympic Games in London are fast approaching. As well as training hard, Ollie has been out and about at various activities, ranging from a tree planting to witnessing the arrival of the Olympic Torch in Mansfield. There has also been an involvement in a national poster campaign with Variety which will see Ollie (or at least a photo of him!) at a venue near you. The Paralympic Team has now officially been launched, following an event in London, with Ollie now proudly keeping his first set of Paralympic kit safe for the games. Encouraging competitive results also have been seem such as at the ASA National Youth Championships in Sheffield. Ollie has also had the latest in a series of blogs published by the Mansfield Chad, which you can also read on his blog.
May 2012
Sponsored Swim
A huge thanks to the members of Sutton Swimming Club, who took part in a sponsored swim to raise funds for Sam & I. You can see some photos from this event on my Photos & Videos page.
March and April 2012
19th April: BBC Radio Nottingham Interview
Ollie was interviewed with Mark Dennison on BBC Radio Nottingham with mum Helen and fellow Nova swimmer Charlotte Henshaw. You can listen to the interview via the following link, and scrolling to about 2hours 15mins - http://goo.gl/2KRf7
10th April: Ollie selected for the Paralympic swimming team at London 2012!!
Following world class performances at selection trials in March and April, Ollie's place on the Great Britain Paralympic swimming team has been confirmed. Ollie swam the fastest time in the world this year in the 400m Freestyle in London, clocking a time of 4.28.62., with a 2.29.79 in the 200m Individual Medley a highlight of his efforts in Sheffield. A huge thanks to all who have supported Ollie to get to this point, notably including coaches Glenn Smith and Jill Barlow at Nova, Nottinghamshire County Council, Mansfield District Council and SportsAid. Huge thanks also go to Ollie's family and friends for their support.
I also have a new athlete Facebook page at http://goo.gl/QgQ2c - please visit and 'like' it!
January & February 2012
The start to Paralympic year has been a positive one for Ollie as he prepares for two sets of selection trials for the London games in March and April. An injury and illness prevention camp in South Africa saw Ollie beginning the year training hard in the warm weather. Ollie has also participated in various publicity and media events, including a video for Nottinghamshire County Council which saw him have the honour of holding the 1948 Olympic Torch! Media interest in Ollie has built as the games draw closer, being interviewed with fellow Nova swimmer Charlotte Henshaw and coach Glenn Smith on BBC Radio Nottingham, Mansfield 103.2 and for ITV. Coverage has also been frequent in the Mansfield and Ashfield Chad. The latest from Ollie as he reflects on his progress towards the first set of trials at the London Aquatics Centre is here:
http://www.chad.co.uk/sport/other-sports/crunch_time_approaching_for_local_paralympic_swimming_hopefuls_charlotte_henshaw_and_ollie_hynd_1_4245979
Ollie's achievements were also recognised at the Nottinghamshire Sportsperson of the Year Awards as he took home the Junior Disabled Sportsperson of the Year title. Training has been boosted by a trip to Crystal Palace to swim in a 50m pool and good progress in all aspects of his work including strength and conditioning input from Tim Stevenson. You can follow Ollie on Twitter for more latest news @Olliehyndgb.
December 2011
It has been a busy and productive month for Oliver, winning awards, competitive success and getting to grips with Twitter. Oliver came away with the Junior Disabled Sports Person of the year trophy at the Mansfield Sports Recognition Awards, where coach Glenn Smith also gained the Coach of the Year Award. There was also success in the swimming pool for Ollie at the Swim Wales Open Winter Championships, where he came away with three bronze medals in a multi disability event, where different classifications of swimmers compete alongside each other. Oliver has now taken over ownership of his Twitter account following some training with Sine Qua Non. You can now follow him at @Olliehyndgb.
Finally, have a very Merry Christmas and a happy new year. As 2012 and the London Paralympic Games approaches, it promises to be an exciting one for Oliver. Thank you for all your support, and keep behind Ollie as he work hard to achieve his dream of selection for Team GB!
Media Highlights
23rd November 2011
Oliver has been in the news a lot of late, and below are a selection of recent press items featuring him for you to enjoy!
Profile - Channel 4 Paralympics Website: http://paralympics.channel4.com/the-athletes/athleteid=16384/index.html
Video - After winning European Championship Gold - Swimming TV: http://tv.swimming.org/video/oliver-hynd-wins-his-first-major-championship-gold-in-the-sm8-200m-individual-medley
BBC News - reaction to Oliver's gold and success for 'Team Hynd': http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-nottinghamshire-14044569
Oliver Joins the Athlete Roster at Sine Qua Non
16th November 2011
It is with pleasure that Henley-based PR, Marketing and Management agency Sine Qua Non can announce that European Swimming Champion Oliver Hynd has joined its growing athlete roster.
At the age of just 16, Oliver took home four medals from the European Championships in Berlin in July, and is now preparing to qualify for the Paralympic Games in London next year. The signing of Oliver marks the latest stage in Sine Qua Non’s moves to develop a roster of leading sport talent.
We at Sine Qua Non are passionate about allowing athletes to maximise their potential in sport. A key part of this vision is raising the profile of athletes, which will form a key focus of the work to be completed with Oliver, building on his accomplishments in swimming. Building a profile is an important consideration for any athlete, especially in view of the forthcoming Olympic and Paralympic Games in London.
Oliver, now 17, is from Nottinghamshire and hopes to be a part of the British Swimming Paralympic squad, which will be selected following trials next year. His accomplishments have attracted recognition from his local community, as he has been shortlisted for the Junior Disability Sports Person Award at the BBC East Midlands Sports Awards. Oliver swims with the Nova Centurion Swimming Club in Mansfield, and is coached by Glenn Smith. The next competitive action for Oliver will be at the DSE Short Course Championships in Sheffield, which take place from the 26th-27th of November.
“We are delighted to have the opportunity to work with Oliver and his mum Helen, to develop and promote his profile” said Chris Whitaker. “Oliver is a bright talent, and we will work hard to ensure that his accomplishments are recognised. I personally look forward to supporting Oliver and witnessing his continued development within and outside of swimming.”
Oliver said ''I am very excited to be working along side Chris and Sine Qua Non and hopefully the future holds great things in store. My swimming has already brought so much into my life and hopefully together we can help Disability Sport to be recognised much more. It is Ability....not Disability ''
Ollie has had an amazing Paralympic Games in London, winning a gold medal in the 200m Individual Medley, a silver medal in the 400m Freestyle, and a Bronze in the 100m Backstroke. These performances represented an exceptional achievement and a huge thank you for all the support extended to Ollie during the games. Ollie also enjoyed participating in homecoming parades in London, Mansfield and Ashfield, with his famous gold post box now also in Kirkby!
June and July 2012
As you may expect, times are increasingly busy for Ollie as his first Paralympic Games in London are fast approaching. As well as training hard, Ollie has been out and about at various activities, ranging from a tree planting to witnessing the arrival of the Olympic Torch in Mansfield. There has also been an involvement in a national poster campaign with Variety which will see Ollie (or at least a photo of him!) at a venue near you. The Paralympic Team has now officially been launched, following an event in London, with Ollie now proudly keeping his first set of Paralympic kit safe for the games. Encouraging competitive results also have been seem such as at the ASA National Youth Championships in Sheffield. Ollie has also had the latest in a series of blogs published by the Mansfield Chad, which you can also read on his blog.
May 2012
Sponsored Swim
A huge thanks to the members of Sutton Swimming Club, who took part in a sponsored swim to raise funds for Sam & I. You can see some photos from this event on my Photos & Videos page.
March and April 2012
19th April: BBC Radio Nottingham Interview
Ollie was interviewed with Mark Dennison on BBC Radio Nottingham with mum Helen and fellow Nova swimmer Charlotte Henshaw. You can listen to the interview via the following link, and scrolling to about 2hours 15mins - http://goo.gl/2KRf7
10th April: Ollie selected for the Paralympic swimming team at London 2012!!
Following world class performances at selection trials in March and April, Ollie's place on the Great Britain Paralympic swimming team has been confirmed. Ollie swam the fastest time in the world this year in the 400m Freestyle in London, clocking a time of 4.28.62., with a 2.29.79 in the 200m Individual Medley a highlight of his efforts in Sheffield. A huge thanks to all who have supported Ollie to get to this point, notably including coaches Glenn Smith and Jill Barlow at Nova, Nottinghamshire County Council, Mansfield District Council and SportsAid. Huge thanks also go to Ollie's family and friends for their support.
I also have a new athlete Facebook page at http://goo.gl/QgQ2c - please visit and 'like' it!
January & February 2012
The start to Paralympic year has been a positive one for Ollie as he prepares for two sets of selection trials for the London games in March and April. An injury and illness prevention camp in South Africa saw Ollie beginning the year training hard in the warm weather. Ollie has also participated in various publicity and media events, including a video for Nottinghamshire County Council which saw him have the honour of holding the 1948 Olympic Torch! Media interest in Ollie has built as the games draw closer, being interviewed with fellow Nova swimmer Charlotte Henshaw and coach Glenn Smith on BBC Radio Nottingham, Mansfield 103.2 and for ITV. Coverage has also been frequent in the Mansfield and Ashfield Chad. The latest from Ollie as he reflects on his progress towards the first set of trials at the London Aquatics Centre is here:
http://www.chad.co.uk/sport/other-sports/crunch_time_approaching_for_local_paralympic_swimming_hopefuls_charlotte_henshaw_and_ollie_hynd_1_4245979
Ollie's achievements were also recognised at the Nottinghamshire Sportsperson of the Year Awards as he took home the Junior Disabled Sportsperson of the Year title. Training has been boosted by a trip to Crystal Palace to swim in a 50m pool and good progress in all aspects of his work including strength and conditioning input from Tim Stevenson. You can follow Ollie on Twitter for more latest news @Olliehyndgb.
December 2011
It has been a busy and productive month for Oliver, winning awards, competitive success and getting to grips with Twitter. Oliver came away with the Junior Disabled Sports Person of the year trophy at the Mansfield Sports Recognition Awards, where coach Glenn Smith also gained the Coach of the Year Award. There was also success in the swimming pool for Ollie at the Swim Wales Open Winter Championships, where he came away with three bronze medals in a multi disability event, where different classifications of swimmers compete alongside each other. Oliver has now taken over ownership of his Twitter account following some training with Sine Qua Non. You can now follow him at @Olliehyndgb.
Finally, have a very Merry Christmas and a happy new year. As 2012 and the London Paralympic Games approaches, it promises to be an exciting one for Oliver. Thank you for all your support, and keep behind Ollie as he work hard to achieve his dream of selection for Team GB!
Media Highlights
23rd November 2011
Oliver has been in the news a lot of late, and below are a selection of recent press items featuring him for you to enjoy!
Profile - Channel 4 Paralympics Website: http://paralympics.channel4.com/the-athletes/athleteid=16384/index.html
Video - After winning European Championship Gold - Swimming TV: http://tv.swimming.org/video/oliver-hynd-wins-his-first-major-championship-gold-in-the-sm8-200m-individual-medley
BBC News - reaction to Oliver's gold and success for 'Team Hynd': http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-nottinghamshire-14044569
Oliver Joins the Athlete Roster at Sine Qua Non
16th November 2011
It is with pleasure that Henley-based PR, Marketing and Management agency Sine Qua Non can announce that European Swimming Champion Oliver Hynd has joined its growing athlete roster.
At the age of just 16, Oliver took home four medals from the European Championships in Berlin in July, and is now preparing to qualify for the Paralympic Games in London next year. The signing of Oliver marks the latest stage in Sine Qua Non’s moves to develop a roster of leading sport talent.
We at Sine Qua Non are passionate about allowing athletes to maximise their potential in sport. A key part of this vision is raising the profile of athletes, which will form a key focus of the work to be completed with Oliver, building on his accomplishments in swimming. Building a profile is an important consideration for any athlete, especially in view of the forthcoming Olympic and Paralympic Games in London.
Oliver, now 17, is from Nottinghamshire and hopes to be a part of the British Swimming Paralympic squad, which will be selected following trials next year. His accomplishments have attracted recognition from his local community, as he has been shortlisted for the Junior Disability Sports Person Award at the BBC East Midlands Sports Awards. Oliver swims with the Nova Centurion Swimming Club in Mansfield, and is coached by Glenn Smith. The next competitive action for Oliver will be at the DSE Short Course Championships in Sheffield, which take place from the 26th-27th of November.
“We are delighted to have the opportunity to work with Oliver and his mum Helen, to develop and promote his profile” said Chris Whitaker. “Oliver is a bright talent, and we will work hard to ensure that his accomplishments are recognised. I personally look forward to supporting Oliver and witnessing his continued development within and outside of swimming.”
Oliver said ''I am very excited to be working along side Chris and Sine Qua Non and hopefully the future holds great things in store. My swimming has already brought so much into my life and hopefully together we can help Disability Sport to be recognised much more. It is Ability....not Disability ''
