RUSSELL Hannah

Classification
S12, SB12, SM12 (IPC, 31 Jul 2021)

Type of Impairment
Vision impairment (bbc.co.uk, 07 Apr 2021; standard.co.uk, 15 Sep 2016)

Origin of Impairment
Congenital (standard.co.uk, 15 Sep 2016)

Impairment Details
She was born with myopia. (bbc.co.uk, 07 Apr 2021; standard.co.uk, 15 Sep 2016)

General
MENTAL HEALTH BREAK
In 2019 she took time off from swimming due to anxiety and depression. During that time she completed her bachelor's degree in sports science from the University of Salford with first-class honours, and watched the 2019 World Championships as a spectator, which hastened her return to the sport. "I was a little bit anxious of speaking out, but when I did speak to my coaches and family, they were really supportive. British Swimming were absolutely brilliant with me, and I can't fault them for all the support they have given me over the last few years. It was strange watching all of my teammates compete and I was sitting at home in front of a television screen instead of being there with them. Deep down, I knew I wanted to return to elite competition, but the break also helped me realise what a privileged position I was in as an elite athlete. I don't think I had had a chance to reflect on what I'd achieved throughout my career, and knowing that I could possibly go to my third Paralympic Games and achieve my goals gave me the strength and courage in wanting to return." (bbc.co.uk, 07 Apr 2021)

SOCIAL DISTANCING
She says the restrictions and protocols introduced to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic have presented her with some new challenges during training and competition. "I can only see up to 0.5m in my central vision, so with a two-metre radius where we have to stay apart, I can't see that far. I've really struggled to know where people are and knowing how far I have to stay away from them. I'm looking forward to being able to get a bit closer to people. I've had to message teammates and coaches to make them aware that if they are around and I don't notice them, I'm not ignoring them. They may just be too far away and we can't get closer. We did two competitions in Manchester before the [Paralympic] trials and it was quite daunting with all of the restrictions and protocols in place. But our head coach Rob Aubry did a run through with me of the whole event, so I knew exactly where I needed to go and what to do. It gave me more confidence, which has helped ahead of trials." (bbc.co.uk, 07 Apr 2021)

SPORTS MASSAGE
In 2020, on the advice of her sports lifestyle advisor, she decided to pursue a professional qualification in sports massage. "I've always had a massive interest in it. In my downtime at the moment I'm completing a few assignments, having already done the practical side of things, so soon I'll be a qualified sports massage therapist." (britishswimming.org, 13 Jul 2021)