Alice Dearing feeling ‘bittersweet and broken’ after historic Olympic showing

The marathon swimmer from Oldbury became the first black, female swimmer to represent Team GB at an Olympic Games when she took to the start line of the women’s 10km event at Odaiba Marine Park early yesterday morning.

It was a long overdue milestone and Dearing, who studied politics at Loughborough University, has spoken candidly about her desire to inspire the next generation by showing that swimming is for everyone, regardless of background.

Her place in the history books is secure but the 24-year-old was left frustrated by her performance in the race itself, as she came home 19th in a time of 2:05:03.2 – more than five-and-a-half minutes behind gold medallist Ana Marcela Cunha of Brazil.

“I’m pretty broken. It was really hard, a really tough race,” admitted Dearing. “I had a lot more to give than that, I’m better than that.

“It’s bittersweet – it’s incredible to race at the Olympics but I’m really disappointed with the result, I know I can do better. I want to go to Paris and have a better race, perform better than this.

“I wasn’t expecting the pace – I was constantly playing catch-up for 2km. Swimming at the same pace as the lead pack but not actually with them – it takes a lot out of you mentally and physically not being in it with them.

“I’ve got a lot more to give and learn, this is my first Olympics, I’m definitely not done. I’ll go home, take my time get over it and then come back stronger next year and the year after.

“Each race is a learning curve and I feel there’s a lot of experience to be gained from this. I know I’ve got a lot more to give within the sport.”

Dearing is well aware of her place in history and was a founder member of the Black Swimming Association (BSA) in 2020, a charity launched to encourage more black people to swim.

And she hopes the visibility of her blazing a trail at an Olympic Games in Tokyo will ultimately be a huge benefit.

“I really hope it makes a difference and people look at this (me) and think it’s doable and for anyone out there,” she added.

“I just want people to know it is open and available to you, regardless of your race and your background.

“If you don’t know how to swim, get in and learn to swim. If you want to go to the Olympics, give it your best shot – don’t let anyone tell you it’s not for you. Go chase your dreams if that’s what you want to do.”

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