Sport
Swimming
Hometown
Broxburn, West Lothian
Born
14/04/63
Coach
Kerry Wood
Big Jim has been a lifetime member of the Splash Club in Broxburn and is one of the most successful GB swimmers ever. Jim is a six times Paralympian between 1992 and 2012 and has won a staggering total of 57 medals at Paralympic Games, World or European Championships and held numerous world records over different distances.
Jim’s Paralympic record is exceptional. 17 medals in six successive Paralympic Games starting back in 1992, including 6 gold. His record in World Championships is equally impressive over the period 1994 until 2010. 18 medals in total, including 9 gold. In European championships between 1991 and 2011 Jim has won a total of 22 medals including 11 gold. Jim is recognised internationally as one of the leading swimmers with a severe physical disability.
Within sport for swimmers with cerebral palsy he is a legend. Claire Balding of the BBC once used the title “Jim the Swim” to describe the big man, and the term is now used worldwide. Jim dominated the S2 class for many years and performed successfully at the highest level for 20 years. Jim has received every possible accolade in sport in recognition of his achievements, including the OBE.
Big Jim is a real family man and has been supported throughout his competitive career by his mum and dad, John and Brenda. Jim has an older brother Stuart and two nieces Pauline and Judith who live in Inverurie. Jim is very proud of his nieces. Jim is an active member of the Congregational Board of Broxburn Parish Church and is involved in social and fund raising activities. The Anderson family have bought a mobile in Tayport, and return to the Kingdom of Fife to relax as often as possible.
Jim is the only disabled sports person to be voted Scottish Sports Personality of the year following his success in Athens. J im is very much a man for the big occasion. He has taken short and long course world records apart in his efforts to win medals. Jim is currently a member of Stirling SC and is coached by Kerry Wood (nee Martin). Jim trains five days per week at the University of Stirling and London 2012 was his sixth successive Paralympic Games.