Grace Reid has a map. Each new nation conquered is duly scratched off for posterity as she keeps track of her travels. “I don’t know how many I’ve got,” she says. “I need to count them at some point.”
South Korea will become the latest destination to be erased. The reigning European and Commonwealth champion is bound for Gwangju this week ahead of the world championships which commence on Friday. Enthused and intrigued by every stop she makes, around her competitive forays in the 3-metre springboard and the synchro and the quest for Olympic qualification, there will doubtless be scheduled some exploration and fun.
She has had many adventures since she was spirited to Delhi as a fresh-faced young teen for a Commonwealth Games that provided a taster of the limelight.
“It’s scary,” she laughs when reminded of what has passed since then. “But so amazing to think of all the places I’ve been and things I’ve achieved. I’ve been in this sport since I was seven which makes me feel like a grandma at times. But I am only 23. If anything, that’s positive.”
She’s all grown-up now. A titan not a teen, with an Olympics behind her and global medals in her bag. No longer a child of Edinburgh but a confident and curious young woman relishing metropolitan life in London and all the attractions it can offer. What was the Olympic pool in Stratford is now her training water with the experienced Jane Figueiredo her coach.
The Zimbabwean native has a rich CV from spells working in the USA, Russia and the UK and is a strict task master, her pupil affirms.
“She always said to me that it is the final details which are the hardest bits now. It’s so difficult to fine tune those little habits you’ve had since you were eight. It’s really difficult. But Jane is really resilient and patient. It’s frustrating when you’re trying to make those little changes. But she’s really been great with me and helped me stay grounded and move forward.”
Reid, who will be joined at the worlds by her fellow Scot and childhood colleague James Heatly, has taken baby steps towards entering Figueiredo’s sphere. In London, she coaches a five-strong group of young girls.
“All blonde, all giggly, and they’re amazing,” she grins. “I see them a few hours a week and it’s been great to work with young people and pass a little of that wisdom along. They remind me of me back then. It’s hard work but they love it and they’re fantastic to work with.”
She is able to offer advice based on her own journey now a decade old.
“Life has changed so much since then. Surgeries. Moving clubs. So much has happened that I’d never have predicted. But if I walked away tomorrow, I think Little Grace would be pretty proud.”
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