BiographyTo reach the pinnacle of international success Giles Long had to overcome cancer. For twelve years he has represented Great Britain at the highest level in the world of swimming, both as a Butterfly and Individual Medley swimmer and as a relay team member. He won twenty major Championship medals including Paralympic, European, and World Championship Gold medals. His greatest achievement was winning the Paralympic 100 metre Butterfly Gold medal, in October 2000, in a World Record time. Giles’ treatment for his bone tumour, which included chemotherapy, radiotherapy and numerous operations, lasted two years. He is particularly admired for his triumphs over adversity, successfully overcoming cancer, which threw his entire career into doubt. Competing individually and as part of a team is something that Giles has recognised, and used to great effect, in making his dream come true. Being able to comprehend the requirements of being a champion has given him the ability to have a dream, set goals to get there and to overcome adversity.
Career Highlights 1994 World Championships Malta | Gold 100m Butterfly WR Silver 4x100m Freestyle Relay Bronze 200m Individual Medley | 1995 European Championships Perpignan, France | Gold 100m Butterfly Silver 200m Individual Medley | Atlanta Paralympics 1996 USA | Gold 100m Butterfly PR Silver 4x100m Medley Relay Bronze 200m Individual Medley | 1998 World Championships Christchurch, New Zealand | Silver 100m Butterfly Bronze 4x100m Medley Relay | 1999 European Championships Braunsweig, Germany | Gold 100m Butterfly Gold 200m Individual Medley | Sydney Paralympics 2000 Australia | Gold 100m Butterfly WR Gold 4x100m Freestyle Relay Silver 4x100m Medley Relay ER | 2001 European Championships Stockholm, Sweden | Gold 100m Butterfly Silver 200m Individual Medley | 2002 World Championships Mar Del Plata, Argentina | Silver 100m Butterfly Bronze 200m Individual Medley | Athens Paralympics 2004 Greece | Bronze 100m Butterfly PR |
WR = World Record PR = Paralympic Record ER = European Record | |