Steve Parry is commonly regarded as one of Britain's greatest swimmers. With a competitive career spanning over a decade, his medal tally currently stands at a total of 11 from events across the world; the most recent of which is a bronze from 2004 Athens Olympics, when he led the British team as captain.

From a young age Steve was keen on swimming and began to train seriously at the age of 12. His training intensified further when he took on the aim of competing at the Junior European Championships. At the age of 17, Steve represented Great Britain at the European Championships and won! This kicked off his thirst for major competitions and kept him training hard as he moved to America to study at Florida State University.

His commitment to training led him to a place on the British team for the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games. Steve just missed out on a medal position, finishing sixth in his event, the 200m butterfly.Steve went back to training and pushed himself harder than ever before, earning himself a spot two years later at the Commonwealth Games. This time Steve emerged with two medals: silver in the 200m butterfly and a bronze in the team relay event.

Steve's greatest achievement in swimming came in 2004, when he gained a bronze medal at the 2004 Olympics in the 200m butterfly. He was narrowly beaten by the American Michael Phelps, who Steve had consequently already beaten in the run up to the final. After Athens and taking part in competitive swimming for over 10 years, Steve decided it was time to turn his focus towards his business talents and opened his company, Total Swimming.

As an ambassador for the Swim Leaders program, Steve is now working with Sports Leaders to actively recruit qualified swimming instructors and lifeguards, and also provide training opportunities for those keen to take on a new qualification. With the ASA Level 1 Award available to swimming teachers, it's a great time to do swimming in the States!

"The Sports Leaders program is a fantastic opportunity for young adults across the world to have the summer of a lifetime. There is no better way for these qualified participants to pass on their experience and knowledge to the children of today. The great service the Camp Leaders group provides easily highlights why so many qualified instructors are turning to them to start their greatest adventure!"

Steve Parry- Swimming Achievements

1994 - 1st - 200m Butterfly, European Junior Championships
1997 - 3rd - 200m Butterfly, European Championships Long Course
1998 - 3rd - 200m Butterfly, European Championships Long Course
1998 - 6th - 200m Butterfly, World Championships Long Course
2000 - 3rd - 200m Butterfly, European Championships Short Course
2000 - 3rd - 4 x 50 Fr Relay, European Championships Short Course
2000 - 6th - 200m Butterfly, Olympic Games
2002 - 2nd - 200m Butterfly, Commonwealth Games
2002 - 3rd - 4 x 200 Fr Relay, Commonwealth Games
2003 - 4th - 200m Butterfly, World Championships Long Course
2004 - 3rd - 200m Butterfly, Olympic Games