Hallam fresher will represent GB at the Rio Olympics this summer

After clinching gold at the British Swimming Championships last month, Max Litchfield has been officially selected for his first Olympic Games in Rio later this year. 

Winning his first British title in April, the physiotherapy first year at Sheffield Hallam is now part of the 26-strong swimming squad to hit the pool at the Rio Olympics this summer.

Max, who swims for around 20 hours a week, is set to compete in the 400m Individual Medley Category at the leading sporting event in Brazil.

Representing GB in the European Championships this week, Max currently stands in seventh place at the London competition running from 16-22 May.

Working hard at maintaining an impressive balance between his studies and preparing for Rio, land training sessions and a strict diet plan have both meant that Max’s training routine is more intense than ever.

Max has also said that he doesn’t have the time to join in on the usual fresher nights out as drinking would completely mess up his entire routine.

“I don’t really have a social life. Juggling student life and training is difficult enough you have to stay quite organised and be on top of everything.”

Despite his draining schedule,  Max has the possibility of victory set in his sights.

“I just want to go there and swim a personal best, that’s all I can do.

“I have to just be in the best shape I can be, and go there and put the complete swim together.

“Once you’re in that final there’s no reason why it can’t be me that’s getting on that podium and winning a medal.”

Although training at an elite-level comes with its great sacrifices, Max is very appreciative of the work his parents, nutritionist, coach and his fellow swimmer girlfriend Shannon do for him.

Calling it ‘such a surreal experience’, Max has thanked everyone for their kind messages of support and #teamsteel in helping him secure his ticket to Rio.