Brodie Williams has been a keen swimmer since the age of 4, but he has suffered from ear problems, which can be especially tough for a swimmer who spends extending amounts of time with their ears underwater. At the age of 11, Broadie suffered multiple perforations in his right ear, which left him with a permanent perforation. For many people this would have signalled the end of competitive swimming, but for Brodie, this was the beginning of something special.
Brodie worked with Arlington Laboratories (now part of Starkey) to try a number of different ear moulds that would ensure the perforation wasn’t agitated whilst swimming. “Throughout the following years I have used ear moulds to help protect my ear and allow me to train daily, which in turn has enabled me to be as fit as possible for those all-important competitions.” Says Brodie.
Brodie is now 22 years of age and is still using these custom-made ear moulds to protect his ears, but the hard work and endeavour has paid off. “This year has been massive with the opportunity to qualify for the Olympics in Tokyo, a dream since I was very young. The trials in April were held at the London Olympic pool and I surprised myself with a great swim beating the qualifying time in the 400 Individual medley. I have now received the official confirmation that I have been selected to swim for Great Britain at this year’s Tokyo Olympics in both the 400 Individual Medley and the 200 Backstroke!”
“I am totally thrilled and so grateful to everyone who has supported me so far on my journey to get to this stage. “
We wish Brodie the best of luck at the Olympics in Tokyo 2021!