MULLEN Andrew

Classification
S5, SB4, SM5 (IPC, 31 Jul 2021)

Type of Impairment
Limb deficiency (barrheadnews.com, 16 Jul 2021; heraldscotland.com, 15 Apr 2011)

Origin of Impairment
Congenital (barrheadnews.com, 16 Jul 2021; heraldscotland.com, 15 Apr 2011)

Impairment Details
A congenital limb condition left him with no forearms or hands. He was also born with a shortened left leg and without a functional hip joint for his left leg, meaning he only has one fully functioning limb. (barrheadnews.com, 16 Jul 2021; heraldscotland.com, 15 Apr 2011)

General
STUDIES ON HOLD
In 2020-21 he deferred the fourth and final year of his finance, investment and risk degree at Glasgow Caledonian University [GCU] in Scotland to focus on his Paralympic trials and training programme. "Striking the balance between sport and study is always a tough one. Both require a large investment of time and energy so excelling in both, at the same time is difficult. GCU, however, have been fantastic in allowing me to slowly but surely work my way through my degree. I've deferred my last year of study in order to fully focus on swimming, once this season has finished, I'll be back to finish off my last couple of semesters." (gcu.ac.uk, 23 Feb 2021)

LOCAL SPONSORSHIP DEAL
He was able to defer his university studies and train full-time thanks to a sponsorship deal from Mactaggart & Mickel, a construction firm based in Glasgow, Scotland. "The Mactaggart & Mickel sponsorship has been massive in allowing me to fully dedicate my time towards preparing for the Paralympic Games. Due to COVID-19, the current climate has resulted in lots of uncertainty for athletes, but Mactaggart & Mickel's support, however, has been a constant for me and is always greatly appreciated. The way they have put their faith in me has meant so much because it takes a lot of stress away so I can focus on swimming, and the fact I know they believe in me will certainly spur me on. It could make all the difference. I know from experience that there is a very thin line between success and failure, and I'll give it all I've got to do my country proud in Tokyo by winning gold." (glasgowtimes.co.uk, 05 Feb 2021)

MENTOR ROLE
After competing at the 2012 and 2016 Paralympic Games, he is looking forward to playing a mentor role for British Para athletes who will be competing at their first Paralympic Games in Tokyo in 2021. "I'll be something of a senior statesman but if I can pass on anything useful based on my experiences to my team-mates who are competing at their first Paralympics then I will gladly do so. There's 23 of us, a healthy mixture of young people and older swimmers, and I'm sure we'll really gel as a team." (posabilitymagazine.co.uk, 16 Jul 2021)