The GB Down Syndrome athlete, who relies on swimming goggles to compete, says being able to see clearly has been a “game-changer” for her training and performance.
Champion Angus swimmer Beth Greig has told how prescription goggles transformed her confidence in the pool – allowing her to pursue her sporting dreams and compete for Great Britain on the international stage.
Beth first started swimming lessons at Arbroath Sports Centre when she was seven years old, but it wasn’t until she was 16 that she began training competitively.
Now aged 24, the GB Down Syndrome Squad athlete has gone on to qualify for two World Championships and three European Championships – an achievement she describes as one of her proudest moments.
But she admits her journey hasn’t been straightforward.
Beth says: ‘I basically can’t see without my glasses. When I first started swimming, I had to wear normal goggles and everything was a blur – I couldn’t even see the other end of the pool.
‘It was frustrating, because I loved swimming, but I wasn’t able to train properly. Getting prescription goggles completely changed everything for me. It was a real turning point.’
Beth has been supported by Specsavers Arbroath since she was three years old. From her first pair of glasses to specialist frames to her prescription swimming goggles, the store has played a key role in ensuring her vision has never stood in the way of her swimming career.
Beth continues: ‘Jamie and the team at Specsavers Arbroath have always gone above and beyond for me.
‘When I was little, they kept spare pairs of glasses in stock because I was always breaking mine, so I was never left without.
They even introduced me to special frames designed for people with Down Syndrome, which were much more comfortable for me.
And of course, the goggles have been a game-changer. I don’t think I’d be competing at this level without being able to see properly.’
That support has allowed Beth to pursue her ambitions with confidence – even on the biggest of stages.
She says: ‘Standing on the blocks with a GB cap on is just the best feeling. It makes all the early mornings and hard work worth it.
‘I feel really proud of what I’ve achieved so far, but I still want to push myself further.’
With her sights now set on the Down Syndrome European Championships in Portugal this October, followed by the British Championships later that year, Beth is determined to make the most of the opportunities ahead.
She adds: ‘Swimming has given me so many amazing experiences already, and I just want to keep improving.
‘I’m really grateful for the support I’ve had from Specsavers Arbroath – they’ve looked after me since I was little and made sure I always had what I needed.
‘Thanks to them, I can see clearly and focus on doing what I love most.’
Jamie Buchan, Retail Director at Specsavers Arbroath, says: ‘Beth has always been an inspiration to everyone at the store.
‘We’ve been lucky to watch her grow from a young girl learning to swim into an international athlete.
‘Our role has always been about making sure she has the right tools to succeed, whether that’s glasses, frames, or prescription goggles, but it’s her determination and passion that really drives her.
‘We’re so proud of everything she’s achieved and can’t wait to see what’s next for her.’
For more information, or to speak to a Specsavers expert, please contact:
sophie.wallace@tigerbond.com
07842 120 832
