Latest News
Fran takes time out to support event for Hertfordshire
Schools
14th June 2011
FRAN took time out of a busy training schedule to support an event for schools in Hertfordshire today. She really enjoyed attending, and encouraging the children to make the most of the great opportunities open to them. Further information can be found here:
http://www.herts.ac.uk/news-and-events/latest-news/Paralympian-Joins-Learning-Event-For-Special-Needs-Schools.cfm
Meanwhile, Fran continues to train hard for the European Championships in Berlin at the end of June!
Busy on all fronts! 30th May 2011
The past few weeks have been busy for Fran as she continues to train hard ahead of the European Championships in Berlin, which are now just one month away. There has also been lots of exciting meetings and media activity, particularly as the "Fran for the Flame" campaign gathers pace. Here are a selection of recent highlights to keep you posted with Fran's latest news:
Thank you for your continued support - and keep visiting for the very lastest news from Fran.
Fran for the Flame! Our torch bearer campaign - 18th May 2011
Fran today began a campaign to secure nominations to be a bearer on the Olympic Torch Relay, which passes through Cambridge on Saturday 7th July 2012. Williamson is seeking to secure as many nominations as possible from the people of Cambridgeshire. She seeks to represent the area a long serving athlete on the GB swimming team and medal hopeful in the London Paralympic games. Fran recalls the progress of the torch in the build up to the Paralympic games in Athens and Beijing as “iconic.” She added:
“Everyone knows about the torch relay, and it would be an amazing thing to be a part of and represent Cambridgeshire. The progress of the torch is something that will capture the imagination of the nation”
Nominations for the torch relay open today, Wednesday 18th May at 11am, and can be made online at: https://torchbearernominations.london2012.com/Nomination/Create. Fran is looking to enlist the support of the community as she strives to be a torch bearer - the ‘Fran for the Flame’ campaign. She hopes that support from the people of Cambridgeshire will mean that she is able to be a part of the relay, and would like people to vote for her. Fran said:
“I really hope people will nominate me – the support of people in Cambridge is really vital in my quest to be part of the torch relay, and I’d be so grateful for all the nominations people make”
So, in short, Fran needs you. Nominations are open for a period of 42 days. Back Fran for the Flame!
Nomination Details
Dob:16/6/85
Post Code: CB24 9XP
Email:fran@fran-williamson.co.uk
telephone:07984 150603
Paralympic Ticket Prices announced
Fran Williamson, six time Paralympic swimming medallist, called for the support of her home crowd to cheer her on to glory at London 2012, as ticket prices were announced today. The Cambridgeshire based swimmer, who is currently in training for the European Championships this July in Berlin, sees the backing of the home crowd at the aquatics centre as a key psychological advantage. She said:
“When I have competed at previous Paralympic games in Athens and Beijing I’ve been struck at the support home athletes get. The support of people from our country will be a massive boost that I will look to harness”
Paralympic ticket pricing has been set at accessible levels, with 95% of all ticket prices being set at under £50 each, inclusive of travel, and 75% under £20. Tickets are on sale from 9th-30th of September 2011. Fran also commented that the ticket prices represented “excellent value for money” and an opportunity to see athletes with a variety of disabilities perform at their peak. She added:
“Paralympic sport in general is a powerful thing, creating an opportunity to raise awareness about what people with disabilities can accomplish. The Paralympic games is the perfect way to round off what promises to be an amazing sporting summer”
Fran’s website, here at www.fran-williamson.co.uk is regularly updated as she seeks to share as much of her build up to the London Paralympic games as possible with her supporters.
April Review & May Preview
Looking back and looking forward It would be fair to say that things have been building up over the past few months. Building in sporting terms as Fran looks to the European Championships in Berlin this July, and building in publicity terms as Fran’s profile grows. I also want to say a big thank you to you all, as our site visits have more than doubled over the course of the last month, so keep the visits coming. Fran and I will keep you close to the action, and will never be short of ways to get involved. Don’t be afraid to email and ask questions, comment on the blog, or add to Fran’s growing playlist.
The main highlight of April was Fran’s performance at the British Disability Swimming Championships at Ponds Forge in Sheffield. Fran was distinctly under the weather – suffering with throat, ear and sinus infections – but still swam some great times and was selected in the Great Britain squad to go to Berlin. Thankfully she has now fully recovered and is free from illness, so long may this continue!
Much of what Fran and I do consists of ‘behind the scenes’ work – careful negotiations to ensure that any involvement Fran has is beneficial to the organisation concerned. As such, there will be times when we can’t really say what we are doing and with whom, but rest assured we will tell you as much as we can, as soon as we can.
A highlight of May so far for me was our appearance on the Business Hub, which you can listen to again below. We are keen to work with local and national businesses in order to take you to a world stage in London next year. Where else would you be able to reach a broadcast audience of millions? In sponsoring Fran, you will be getting access to an inspirational person who can make a telling difference.
Fran is also committed to making a positive difference to her community, particularly through charitable work. More news on such work will be coming your way very soon. Fran will also be going to the Cambridge Disability Sports and Arts Festival next week so will see you there.
Thanks again for your support!
Fran and Chris
14th June 2011
FRAN took time out of a busy training schedule to support an event for schools in Hertfordshire today. She really enjoyed attending, and encouraging the children to make the most of the great opportunities open to them. Further information can be found here:
http://www.herts.ac.uk/news-and-events/latest-news/Paralympian-Joins-Learning-Event-For-Special-Needs-Schools.cfm
Meanwhile, Fran continues to train hard for the European Championships in Berlin at the end of June!
Busy on all fronts! 30th May 2011
The past few weeks have been busy for Fran as she continues to train hard ahead of the European Championships in Berlin, which are now just one month away. There has also been lots of exciting meetings and media activity, particularly as the "Fran for the Flame" campaign gathers pace. Here are a selection of recent highlights to keep you posted with Fran's latest news:
- BBC Look East appearance & Fran featured in an article by Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson on the BBC Paralympics website - http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/disability_sport/13541477.stm
- New Blog Post - Fran's article on 'Fran for the Flame' featured in Cambridge First
- Fran's Sponsorship packages featured in Strictly Business Magazine (p.8) - http://www.strictlybusinessmag.co.uk
- Fran for the Flame Facebook Group - http://www.facebook.com/?ref=logo#!/home.php?sk=group_227509927262168
Thank you for your continued support - and keep visiting for the very lastest news from Fran.
Fran for the Flame! Our torch bearer campaign - 18th May 2011
Fran today began a campaign to secure nominations to be a bearer on the Olympic Torch Relay, which passes through Cambridge on Saturday 7th July 2012. Williamson is seeking to secure as many nominations as possible from the people of Cambridgeshire. She seeks to represent the area a long serving athlete on the GB swimming team and medal hopeful in the London Paralympic games. Fran recalls the progress of the torch in the build up to the Paralympic games in Athens and Beijing as “iconic.” She added:
“Everyone knows about the torch relay, and it would be an amazing thing to be a part of and represent Cambridgeshire. The progress of the torch is something that will capture the imagination of the nation”
Nominations for the torch relay open today, Wednesday 18th May at 11am, and can be made online at: https://torchbearernominations.london2012.com/Nomination/Create. Fran is looking to enlist the support of the community as she strives to be a torch bearer - the ‘Fran for the Flame’ campaign. She hopes that support from the people of Cambridgeshire will mean that she is able to be a part of the relay, and would like people to vote for her. Fran said:
“I really hope people will nominate me – the support of people in Cambridge is really vital in my quest to be part of the torch relay, and I’d be so grateful for all the nominations people make”
So, in short, Fran needs you. Nominations are open for a period of 42 days. Back Fran for the Flame!
Nomination Details
Dob:16/6/85
Post Code: CB24 9XP
Email:fran@fran-williamson.co.uk
telephone:07984 150603
Paralympic Ticket Prices announced
Fran Williamson, six time Paralympic swimming medallist, called for the support of her home crowd to cheer her on to glory at London 2012, as ticket prices were announced today. The Cambridgeshire based swimmer, who is currently in training for the European Championships this July in Berlin, sees the backing of the home crowd at the aquatics centre as a key psychological advantage. She said:
“When I have competed at previous Paralympic games in Athens and Beijing I’ve been struck at the support home athletes get. The support of people from our country will be a massive boost that I will look to harness”
Paralympic ticket pricing has been set at accessible levels, with 95% of all ticket prices being set at under £50 each, inclusive of travel, and 75% under £20. Tickets are on sale from 9th-30th of September 2011. Fran also commented that the ticket prices represented “excellent value for money” and an opportunity to see athletes with a variety of disabilities perform at their peak. She added:
“Paralympic sport in general is a powerful thing, creating an opportunity to raise awareness about what people with disabilities can accomplish. The Paralympic games is the perfect way to round off what promises to be an amazing sporting summer”
Fran’s website, here at www.fran-williamson.co.uk is regularly updated as she seeks to share as much of her build up to the London Paralympic games as possible with her supporters.
April Review & May Preview
Looking back and looking forward It would be fair to say that things have been building up over the past few months. Building in sporting terms as Fran looks to the European Championships in Berlin this July, and building in publicity terms as Fran’s profile grows. I also want to say a big thank you to you all, as our site visits have more than doubled over the course of the last month, so keep the visits coming. Fran and I will keep you close to the action, and will never be short of ways to get involved. Don’t be afraid to email and ask questions, comment on the blog, or add to Fran’s growing playlist.
The main highlight of April was Fran’s performance at the British Disability Swimming Championships at Ponds Forge in Sheffield. Fran was distinctly under the weather – suffering with throat, ear and sinus infections – but still swam some great times and was selected in the Great Britain squad to go to Berlin. Thankfully she has now fully recovered and is free from illness, so long may this continue!
Much of what Fran and I do consists of ‘behind the scenes’ work – careful negotiations to ensure that any involvement Fran has is beneficial to the organisation concerned. As such, there will be times when we can’t really say what we are doing and with whom, but rest assured we will tell you as much as we can, as soon as we can.
A highlight of May so far for me was our appearance on the Business Hub, which you can listen to again below. We are keen to work with local and national businesses in order to take you to a world stage in London next year. Where else would you be able to reach a broadcast audience of millions? In sponsoring Fran, you will be getting access to an inspirational person who can make a telling difference.
Fran is also committed to making a positive difference to her community, particularly through charitable work. More news on such work will be coming your way very soon. Fran will also be going to the Cambridge Disability Sports and Arts Festival next week so will see you there.
Thanks again for your support!
Fran and Chris
Fran and Chris on the Business Hub Show (Cambs Star Radio)
Each week on Cambridge Star Radio the station gives way for a one-hour slot (Sunday 9-10am) dedicated to showcasing business initiatives, guidance, and expert discussion. The BusinessHub seeks to be “packed with great information highlighting the burning business issues of the day”, in order to help local businesses on the road to succeed!
Chris and I were fortunate enough to be invited on to the show (well, Chris did all the talking – I don’t really have a voice for radio) to discuss the need for sponsorship on the road to London 2012. Uniquely, our drive for sponsorship is two-fold: a) believe it or not, swimming is a pretty expensive business, so getting financial support in my “final push” will give me an extra edge over my competitors, and; b) it will give me the amazing opportunity to work hand in hand with organisations to promote the spirit of the Paralympic games, which are only just round the corner (486 days away to be exact!).
Today (1st May 2011) our interview was aired, and I think it echoed exactly what I said above - but that’s my biased view! You can listen again to the show and our slot by clicking HERE and listening to this-weeks Podcast.
A big thank to Ian Mckendrick and Mark Peters for having us on the show and for your support. And, also thank you to Hannah Scott for organising everything, and to Ann Hawkins for putting us in touch with the BusinessHub guys!!
Chris and I were fortunate enough to be invited on to the show (well, Chris did all the talking – I don’t really have a voice for radio) to discuss the need for sponsorship on the road to London 2012. Uniquely, our drive for sponsorship is two-fold: a) believe it or not, swimming is a pretty expensive business, so getting financial support in my “final push” will give me an extra edge over my competitors, and; b) it will give me the amazing opportunity to work hand in hand with organisations to promote the spirit of the Paralympic games, which are only just round the corner (486 days away to be exact!).
Today (1st May 2011) our interview was aired, and I think it echoed exactly what I said above - but that’s my biased view! You can listen again to the show and our slot by clicking HERE and listening to this-weeks Podcast.
A big thank to Ian Mckendrick and Mark Peters for having us on the show and for your support. And, also thank you to Hannah Scott for organising everything, and to Ann Hawkins for putting us in touch with the BusinessHub guys!!
Fran's countdown featured by Anglia Ruskin University & more
Fran's countdown to the London 2012 Paralympic Games is front page news this week, as she spoke to her first university, Anglia Ruskin. She said:
"I thought the Twitter service would be a great way to share my road to London with everyone.
"It is now less than 500 days to go to the opening of the Paralympic Games in 2012, so it will come round very quickly. By following my account, which is @franswimsto2012, people can see what I'm doing each day."
For the full story, please go to http://www.anglia.ac.uk/ruskin/en/home/news/countdown_to_2012_paralympics.html
Fran and I have also been promised that we'll be on the radio this week, so more details of that to come closer to the time!
Happy Easter!
Hello! Just a very quick message to wish you all a very Happy Easter! We were meant to be on The Business Hub today (24th of April 2011) but there was a change of plan - we'll be sure to let you know of any revised date! Apologies if you delayed tucking into your eggs on our account! We hope all is well with you :)
Fran and Chris
Fran Selected for European Championships
Fran Williamson, the reigning 50 metres backstroke World Champion has been selected in the Great Britain Squad for the European Championships to be held in Berlin this July, British Swimming announced yesterday. The 25 year old six time Paralympic medallist made the squad after comfortably achieving the qualifying standard times for selection set by British Swimming.
Fran achieved qualification times at the British Disability Swimming Championships in Sheffield last weekend despite suffering from throat, ear and sinus infections – a testament to her strength of character and determination.
Berlin will be the second European Championships Fran has competing at, the first being at Stockholm in 2001, where she gained two bronze medals in the 200m freestyle and the 4x50m freestyle events. Williamson has thus been on the GB team for a period of more than ten years, including the Paralympic games at Athens in 2004 and Beijing in 2008. In the longer term she is also looking ahead to London 2012, as she seeks to add to her tally of Paralympic medals in front of her home crowd.
Selection for the European Championships is the latest highlight in a busy period for Fran, who has embarked on a sponsorship drive ahead of 2012 to help fund specialist coaching and equipment. She is also in negotiations to join a national charity as a trustee, as she looks to use her profile to benefit good causes. Her website has also been revamped to include an Audio Updates service and a ‘latest news’ page as she seeks to share her build up to 2012 with her supporters.
Upon hearing she had been selected, Fran said:
“it is always a great honour to be selected to represent your country, and I am delighted to be going to Berlin. It’s a good pool there, and I’m looking to build on my World Championship win last year. Berlin will also be an important part of my preparations for London 2012, and I’ll be continuing to work hard with my coaches to ensure I peak at the right time.”
Fran’s coach, Ed Williams said:
“I’m delighted that Fran is in the squad for Berlin, its excellent news and just reward for the hard work we’ve put in over recent months. We’ll now carry on that work, and I look forward to working with Fran over the next few weeks to get her in good shape for Berlin. She did really well in Sheffield, putting in some great times, despite her infections, which is encouraging”
Looking Ahead – April
April promises to be both an interesting and busy month for Fran, with a particular sporting highlight coming in the form of the British International Disability Swimming Championships 2011 at Ponds Forge in Sheffield. The Championships in Sheffield are the trials for the European Championships, which are due to place in Germany during early July. Fran is currently ranked number one in Europe, so hopes for a successful trip!
One of the striking features of Fran’s life as an athlete is the vast amount of preparation and sheer hard graft that Fran puts in on a day-to-day basis. Lots of thought goes into devising what sort of training Fran should do and how to most effectively manage time in the water. Outside of the water, there is gym training, nutritional analysis, sports massages to keep the body in good shape and input from others such as sports psychologists.
Competition then is where all that hard work comes to fruition. Fran enjoys swimming at Ponds Forge, which offers excellent facilities and a chance to catch up with her GB team mates. As all the GB team lead such busy lives, keeping up to speed with one another – apart from perhaps the odd chat via twitter or facebook - is tough. As 2012 approaches, with increasing speed, long-term thoughts turn towards preparing for London. The prospect of competing in front of a home crowd is an inspiring one for Fran, who would love to repeat her World Championship success.
Coming Soon...A Q&A with Fran on this website! Ever wanted to ask a World Champion one question? Well now you can! Simply email questions you want asked to chris@fran-williamson.co.uk or tweet them to @christheowl. All sensible questions will be put to Fran and answered on this website in the near future!
March 2011 - A New Addition Goes Public
Hello! My name is Chris, and I've been working 'behind the scenes' with Fran for a few months now. My role has consisted of a number of things, including helping to manage Fran's diary and work with new and potential sponsors. Such sponsors include local and national companies, and you can expect to read more about them soon!
I will also be updating the website, and keeping you all posted as to Fran's progress in the run up to key events, including London 2012, which is fast approaching at now less than 600 days away! The purpose of my involvement is to allow Fran to concentrate on training hard and doing the best for her country! Fran and I have also been working with some great people in the past few weeks so that you'll hopefully get a closer insight into her life, both in and out of the swimming pool.
Fran's charity work is also set to grow as we've been in talks with some really interesting people so that Fran's talents can be put to use. Fran is very modest about herself...but I think she is brilliant, so I’m sure will do an excellent job with the many people she'll be involved with over the coming days, weeks and months. I should also declare a certain bias in that I am also Fran's boyfriend, so I’m bound to think she is wonderful!:)
So…in short...watch this space! I look forward to keeping you posted about the many exciting things to come:)
Fran's countdown to the London 2012 Paralympic Games is front page news this week, as she spoke to her first university, Anglia Ruskin. She said:
"I thought the Twitter service would be a great way to share my road to London with everyone.
"It is now less than 500 days to go to the opening of the Paralympic Games in 2012, so it will come round very quickly. By following my account, which is @franswimsto2012, people can see what I'm doing each day."
For the full story, please go to http://www.anglia.ac.uk/ruskin/en/home/news/countdown_to_2012_paralympics.html
Fran and I have also been promised that we'll be on the radio this week, so more details of that to come closer to the time!
Happy Easter!
Hello! Just a very quick message to wish you all a very Happy Easter! We were meant to be on The Business Hub today (24th of April 2011) but there was a change of plan - we'll be sure to let you know of any revised date! Apologies if you delayed tucking into your eggs on our account! We hope all is well with you :)
Fran and Chris
Fran Selected for European Championships
Fran Williamson, the reigning 50 metres backstroke World Champion has been selected in the Great Britain Squad for the European Championships to be held in Berlin this July, British Swimming announced yesterday. The 25 year old six time Paralympic medallist made the squad after comfortably achieving the qualifying standard times for selection set by British Swimming.
Fran achieved qualification times at the British Disability Swimming Championships in Sheffield last weekend despite suffering from throat, ear and sinus infections – a testament to her strength of character and determination.
Berlin will be the second European Championships Fran has competing at, the first being at Stockholm in 2001, where she gained two bronze medals in the 200m freestyle and the 4x50m freestyle events. Williamson has thus been on the GB team for a period of more than ten years, including the Paralympic games at Athens in 2004 and Beijing in 2008. In the longer term she is also looking ahead to London 2012, as she seeks to add to her tally of Paralympic medals in front of her home crowd.
Selection for the European Championships is the latest highlight in a busy period for Fran, who has embarked on a sponsorship drive ahead of 2012 to help fund specialist coaching and equipment. She is also in negotiations to join a national charity as a trustee, as she looks to use her profile to benefit good causes. Her website has also been revamped to include an Audio Updates service and a ‘latest news’ page as she seeks to share her build up to 2012 with her supporters.
Upon hearing she had been selected, Fran said:
“it is always a great honour to be selected to represent your country, and I am delighted to be going to Berlin. It’s a good pool there, and I’m looking to build on my World Championship win last year. Berlin will also be an important part of my preparations for London 2012, and I’ll be continuing to work hard with my coaches to ensure I peak at the right time.”
Fran’s coach, Ed Williams said:
“I’m delighted that Fran is in the squad for Berlin, its excellent news and just reward for the hard work we’ve put in over recent months. We’ll now carry on that work, and I look forward to working with Fran over the next few weeks to get her in good shape for Berlin. She did really well in Sheffield, putting in some great times, despite her infections, which is encouraging”
Looking Ahead – April
April promises to be both an interesting and busy month for Fran, with a particular sporting highlight coming in the form of the British International Disability Swimming Championships 2011 at Ponds Forge in Sheffield. The Championships in Sheffield are the trials for the European Championships, which are due to place in Germany during early July. Fran is currently ranked number one in Europe, so hopes for a successful trip!
One of the striking features of Fran’s life as an athlete is the vast amount of preparation and sheer hard graft that Fran puts in on a day-to-day basis. Lots of thought goes into devising what sort of training Fran should do and how to most effectively manage time in the water. Outside of the water, there is gym training, nutritional analysis, sports massages to keep the body in good shape and input from others such as sports psychologists.
Competition then is where all that hard work comes to fruition. Fran enjoys swimming at Ponds Forge, which offers excellent facilities and a chance to catch up with her GB team mates. As all the GB team lead such busy lives, keeping up to speed with one another – apart from perhaps the odd chat via twitter or facebook - is tough. As 2012 approaches, with increasing speed, long-term thoughts turn towards preparing for London. The prospect of competing in front of a home crowd is an inspiring one for Fran, who would love to repeat her World Championship success.
Coming Soon...A Q&A with Fran on this website! Ever wanted to ask a World Champion one question? Well now you can! Simply email questions you want asked to chris@fran-williamson.co.uk or tweet them to @christheowl. All sensible questions will be put to Fran and answered on this website in the near future!
March 2011 - A New Addition Goes Public
Hello! My name is Chris, and I've been working 'behind the scenes' with Fran for a few months now. My role has consisted of a number of things, including helping to manage Fran's diary and work with new and potential sponsors. Such sponsors include local and national companies, and you can expect to read more about them soon!
I will also be updating the website, and keeping you all posted as to Fran's progress in the run up to key events, including London 2012, which is fast approaching at now less than 600 days away! The purpose of my involvement is to allow Fran to concentrate on training hard and doing the best for her country! Fran and I have also been working with some great people in the past few weeks so that you'll hopefully get a closer insight into her life, both in and out of the swimming pool.
Fran's charity work is also set to grow as we've been in talks with some really interesting people so that Fran's talents can be put to use. Fran is very modest about herself...but I think she is brilliant, so I’m sure will do an excellent job with the many people she'll be involved with over the coming days, weeks and months. I should also declare a certain bias in that I am also Fran's boyfriend, so I’m bound to think she is wonderful!:)
So…in short...watch this space! I look forward to keeping you posted about the many exciting things to come:)
