Simple and life changing

“Without technology I wouldn’t be able to do all the things I do,” says adaptive swimmer Sophie Etheridge

Technology is constantly evolving, improving, but also becoming more complicated. I am always someone that makes the most out of technology, however, I would prefer things that are simple to use. This goes for not only in the water and when coaching but also in my dayto- day life as a someone with a disability too.

When swimming, the only technology I use is a Garmin Swim2 watch, this is for several reasons:

1. I try not to become too fixated on the numbers
2. Technology isn’t always accurate
3. I like to keep things simple
4. I don’t get distracted
5. I can’t use technology when doing some open water events and never do something different on race day in comparison to a training session.

If you always use some kind of technology, it can feel alien to be without it. I know a swimmer that always wears headphones. They now want to train to do a Channel relay, and they won’t be allowed headphones, and they are struggling to swim for an hour without them. I think it’s a case of just being aware that if you become reliant on technology, it can be difficult when you can’t use it.

Technology does have a few negatives but is also a good thing. It gives us data that allows us to improve, things like video analysis wouldn’t have been possible a few years ago and for some (including me), seeing themselves swim and what they are doing wrong is a total game changer. It can also be incredibly helpful in terms of providing safety cover; UltraSwim33.3 uses a tracking system where they can see each swimmer and this helped them to not only ensure everyone had safety cover nearby, but it also helped them in terms of accessibility because they knew where I was so could ensure my mobility aids were where they needed to be, when they needed to be there!

Technological improvements can be life changing for those with disabilities, not just in swimming. They can increase independence and make things that were impossible possible. Without technology I wouldn’t be able to do all the things I do. To start with, I wouldn’t have been able to train as a swimming teacher and coach. I did the theory sections of my courses online from home as I wouldn’t have coped with the intensity in person. Technology allows me to work from home too.

My TriRide (wheelchair add on) means I can go out and be independent and even take our dog for a run on my own.

There are so many bits of equipment that help those with disabilities, from the Juke headset that helps those with visual impairments when swimming to individuals that are non-verbal and use a communication device. Be it in swimming or daily life, when it comes to technology it is about finding the right bit of equipment for what the individual wants to do and achieve.