By William Moncrieff, Communications Officer
Since taking up sport in the 1970’s, Jim Anderson OBE has made himself a household name throughout the Scottish sporting landscape. Jim’s incredible career saw him compete in swimming at a staggering six Paralympic Games, where he had great success, earning him the affectionate nickname of ‘Jim the Swim’.
Jim’s swimming career spanned two decades, where he competed against some of the best in the business, filling up an impressive trophy cabinet in the process. Now at the age of 63, Jim hasn’t loss his competitive edge, often taking to the boccia court to show his athletic ability.
Initially trying sport 50 years ago, it would have been impossible to forecast the lifelong impact that Jim would have on Scottish sport. However, like many athletes Jim didn’t take up sport to be in the spotlight, it was something a lot simpler.
Growing up with cerebral palsy, sport provided an opportunity of independence and inclusion. He said: “I really enjoyed it, just because I was able to do something.”
In his twenties, Jim set his goals and ambitions firmly on becoming a Paralympian and at the Barcelona 1992 Summer Paralympic Games, his dreams were answered. Jim wasn’t willing to stop there though, going on to compete in the next five Paralympics, to retire after the London 2012 iteration.
Throughout his Paralympic career, Jim found himself on the podium a total of 17 times, winning six golds, nine silvers and two bronze medals which all added to his legacy as one of Great Britain’s most prolific swimmers.
Undeniably though, Jim’s highlight came at the 2004 Paralympic Games in Athens, when competing in the 50m, 100m and 200m Freestyle S2 and 50m Backstroke S2. He commented: “I am most proud of my four gold medals in Athens, it was great.”
Another element of his Paralympic career that Jim looks back on with an immense amount of pride, was managing to perform at the highest level, in front of those closest to him: his mum and dad – John and Brenda – and brother, Stuart. “To see me on the podium was wonderful for my family,” he said.
Although Jim no longer finds himself competing in swimming, he has made sure to still stay involved in the sport, saying, “I retired after London 2012, but I am still involved with the Scottish Disabled Swimming Team.”
Working once a month with some of Scotland’s emerging talent, has been providing Jim with a deep sense of enjoyment as it takes him back to what it first meant to him to be included in sport. One of his favorite elements, is playing a role in developing the next generation of Scottish athletes, saying: “I like helping the new swimmers coming up, it is great.”
Along with being a keen volunteer in swimming, Jim has been working hard to provide individuals in the east of Scotland with an opportunity to take part in boccia. Helping to found a drop-in session in Broxburn, Jim has opened the door for many individuals to try boccia in a fun, friendly, inclusive and accessible setting. A main reason for starting the club, was because of the incredibly inclusive nature of boccia. Jim wanted to provide as many people as possible with an opportunity to enjoy the sport: “Boccia is great, because anyone can play it,” he said.
Furthermore, boccia provides Jim with opportunities to get out and compete in sport. He said: “I like that I still get to compete.”
Having received countless accolades and winning a total of 57 medals across the Paralympic Games, World and European Championships, Jim is a great role model in sport – showcases what is possible if you have a disability.
Being a role model is something that Jim is extremely proud of, for it: “makes people realise that they can do it, and that nothing is a barrier,” Jim said.
To find out all about the sport and physical activities in sport within your local area and community, reach out to your Regional Development Manager.
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