Charlotte Gower is one of GBDSC’s rising young athletes, showing remarkable determination and talent in the pool. Having only started qualifying for competitive events at the age of 14, she has made rapid progress and now proudly represents Great Britain at her first Deaflympics. Her hard work, commitment, and passion for swimming make her one to watch for the future.
How and when did you start swimming?
Like many children, I started swimming lessons when I was little and quickly discovered how much I enjoyed being in the water. That love for swimming soon led me to join my local swimming club when I was eight years old.
It wasn’t until I was 14 that I began qualifying for higher-level competitions, which was an exciting step forward. One of the biggest highlights so far has been qualifying for the Aquatics GB Swimming Championships 2025 at the London Aquatics Centre, where I had the incredible opportunity to compete alongside Olympians.
This season has been especially memorable as I broke the existing 200m backstroke short course world record — although I’m still waiting for it to be officially ratified!
Like many children, I started swimming lessons when I was little and quickly discovered how much I enjoyed being in the water. That love for swimming soon led me to join my local swimming club when I was eight years old.
It wasn’t until I was 14 that I began qualifying for higher-level competitions, which was an exciting step forward. One of the biggest highlights so far has been qualifying for the Aquatics GB Swimming Championships 2025 at the London Aquatics Centre, where I had the incredible opportunity to compete alongside Olympians.
This season has been especially memorable as I broke the existing 200m backstroke short course world record — although I’m still waiting for it to be officially ratified!
Competitions
This season has been an exciting one, with plenty of opportunities to compete at a higher level. I qualified for the Aquatic GB Swimming Championships 2025 in the 200m Backstroke, and also took part in the Aquatics GB Next Gen Championships 2025, qualifying for seven events, reaching three finals, and achieving a highest placing of 4th in the 200m Backstroke.
Alongside national competitions, I’ve also enjoyed success closer to home, winning various West Midlands (Regional) and Warwickshire (County) titles, and representing Warwickshire at the Inter-counties championships.
This season has been an exciting one, with plenty of opportunities to compete at a higher level. I qualified for the Aquatic GB Swimming Championships 2025 in the 200m Backstroke, and also took part in the Aquatics GB Next Gen Championships 2025, qualifying for seven events, reaching three finals, and achieving a highest placing of 4th in the 200m Backstroke.
Alongside national competitions, I’ve also enjoyed success closer to home, winning various West Midlands (Regional) and Warwickshire (County) titles, and representing Warwickshire at the Inter-counties championships.
What drives your training?
I really love the freedom of being in the water — it’s where I feel most comfortable and confident. I also enjoy the competitive side of swimming, always pushing myself to improve and see how far I can go. At times, training and competing with my hearing impairment has been challenging, especially in busy pool environments. However, over the years I’ve learned how to manage this much better, and my coaches have been amazing in finding ways to support me both in training sessions and at galas. These experiences have made me even more determined to keep progressing and enjoying every moment in the water.
I really love the freedom of being in the water — it’s where I feel most comfortable and confident. I also enjoy the competitive side of swimming, always pushing myself to improve and see how far I can go. At times, training and competing with my hearing impairment has been challenging, especially in busy pool environments. However, over the years I’ve learned how to manage this much better, and my coaches have been amazing in finding ways to support me both in training sessions and at galas. These experiences have made me even more determined to keep progressing and enjoying every moment in the water.
What events have you qualified for in Tokyo?
After years of hard work, perseverance, and incredible support from those around me, I’m thrilled to share that I’ve qualified for the Tokyo Deaflympics in late 2025.
I’ll be competing in the 50m, 100m, and 200m Backstroke, the 50m, 100m, and 200m Freestyle, the 200m Individual Medley, and a number of relay events.
Reaching this point has been a huge personal milestone. The Deaflympics has always represented something more than competition to me — it’s about resilience, teamwork, and pride in representing Great Britain on an international stage. I’m incredibly grateful to everyone who has believed in me and supported me along the way — my family, coaches, teammates, and friends. I can’t wait to take on this next challenge and give it everything I’ve got.
After years of hard work, perseverance, and incredible support from those around me, I’m thrilled to share that I’ve qualified for the Tokyo Deaflympics in late 2025.
I’ll be competing in the 50m, 100m, and 200m Backstroke, the 50m, 100m, and 200m Freestyle, the 200m Individual Medley, and a number of relay events.
Reaching this point has been a huge personal milestone. The Deaflympics has always represented something more than competition to me — it’s about resilience, teamwork, and pride in representing Great Britain on an international stage. I’m incredibly grateful to everyone who has believed in me and supported me along the way — my family, coaches, teammates, and friends. I can’t wait to take on this next challenge and give it everything I’ve got.
Listen to your coaches, train hard but always try and enjoy it!
Don't expect PBs at every gala and don't compare yourself to others as everyone progresses at different speeds.
Don't expect PBs at every gala and don't compare yourself to others as everyone progresses at different speeds.
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