Meet the team for Glasgow 2014 - Lauren Boyle

Lauren Boyle has had an impressive year in the build up to the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games.

Last year Lauren joined Danyon Loader in the record books as the most successful New Zealand swimmer at a FINA World Championships by claiming three bronze medals at the 15^th FINA World Championships in Barcelona.

In her final swim meet before Glasgow 2014 Lauren won Gold at the French Open in the 800m freestyle and collected a bronze in the 200m and 400m freestyle as she continued her recent good form.

“My form is usually very consistent - that’s something I’ve trained myself for. ‘Form’ can be a deceptive thing; I mean to qualify well for the Commonwealth Games I had to draw on all my reserves,” Lauren said.

“We’d been in Arizona at altitude camp. I got quite ill there and had to be taken to hospital to check it out. Getting ill at altitude can be quite dangerous so I came back early and as a result I missed some key training while I recovered. I see the times I did in qualifying as just enough and I am working hard to get back to the great times I’ve done.

“My lifestyle is different to my friends. I often miss catch ups or dinners because training starts early or functions end too late for me to be sociable. But I get to take naps during the day sometimes! Not many people get to do that!

“Like everything there are trade-offs - I live the dream and I think that can be a powerful experience. Anything I ‘miss out on’ is my own choice so I don’t see anything I forego as a sacrifice because of swimming. That attitude has helped me continue to enjoy the sport.”

Lauren has also represented New Zealand at two Olympic Games with an impressive performance at the London 2012 Olympics taking fourth place in the 800m freestyle.

“I feel a passion to represent my country as best I can. Representing New Zealand is an honour and privilege.

“It’s special coming from a smaller country and making it onto the world stage. I don't take that opportunity for granted.”

Lauren will be competing in the 200m, 400m and 800m freestyle and 4x200m freestyle relay at Glasgow 2014.

Get to know more about Lauren.