Sharron’s suprising confession to swimmers

Six boys from Warwick School are preparing to swim to France in relay - before turning round and swimming back again.

They won’t wear wetsuits and will have to dodge between the shipping lanes and jellyfish as they determine to beat two previous school records of swimming just one way.

At the same time in the next few days six girls from neighbouring King’s High are attempting to make the school’s first ever crossing, leaving Shakespeare beach in Dover and heading over to Cap Gris Nez near Calais.

Sharron - who will be leading the poolside commentary at this year’s Olympics - called in to see the two squads in training and offer some encouragement.

She talked about the commitment she had had to give to her swimming career - practising seven days a week and at one stage in her childhood getting into the pool with two broken arms after falling out of a tree!

“And I really hate cold water” she admitted, “which is why I’m so impressed with the efforts you are making.”

The pupils are aged between 14 and 18 mostly live in the district and their swim will raise money for the Get-A-Head charity.