As a student at West College Scotland’s Clydebank Campus, Chloe Barclay, 18, is busy studying for a Level 3 qualification in Beauty Therapy. However Chloe has another skill – as a talented swimmer she is setting her sights on glory.

Chloe recently competed at the Berlin International Swim Meeting, finishing with a fantastic time of 1.03.90 in the 100m backstroke, and won bronze for 100m backstroke at the Scottish National Short Course Championships. It’s been non-stop ever since, with Chloe winning two national titles at the Scottish National Age Group Championships and competing at the British Swimming Championships. Held at Glasgow’s Tollcross International Swimming Centre and doubling as the final trials for the Rio Olympics, Chloe came incredibly close to qualifying for a place on Team GB.

“Swimming’s been going so well recently - I’ve been working really hard and it’s paying off. I recently won bronze for 100m backstroke at the Scottish National Short Course Championships, and to do so well in Berlin and at the Scottish Age Group Championships was a big boost.”

“I was delighted to be in with a chance of competing at the Olympics! Even to make the trials for Rio was amazing.”

Chloe came to the College in 2014, after attending Glasgow’s Bellahouston Academy School of Sport for five years, where she trained alongside her studies. Chloe has kept up her training and her studies, and continues to excel in both.

 Chloe with her Bronze medal at the Scottish National Short Course Championships

“I’ve always enjoyed swimming, and I’ve been competing at a pretty high level for years. Balancing training and studying can be a lot of work, but I’m used to it, so it’s not a struggle – I just get on with it really. I’ve always been quite driven, especially in my swimming, so although it’s hard work, I really enjoy it.”

Swimming keeps Chloe busy, but she’s no less dedicated to her studies, and clearly has a passion for her Beauty Therapy course.

“Don’t get me wrong, I love swimming, but it’s nice to have something different to do, and I’ve enjoyed beauty therapy for a while now. My Mum’s friend has a salon in Helensburgh; I did my work experience for school there, and I loved it! I really enjoy being able help people feel good, and feel good about themselves.”

“I hope to keep studying at College, and go onto a HNC and HND, so I can build a career. I’d love to keep swimming too, but no swimmer can compete at this level forever. With some luck that won’t be for a long time, and I’m going to keep working my hardest. After these Olympics trials I’m now setting my sights on the Commonwealth Games in 2018.”

“So it’s non-stop for now, but I’m used to it. Whatever level I get to, I’m already proud of what I’ve achieved, and thanks to my College course, I’ve got something else to look forward to as well.”