Euan hopes to make a splash with swim tips

A TOP Olympic swimmer is hanging up his goggles to teach amateur swimmers in the Capital his top tips.

Euan Dale, who competed in the 2008 Beijing Olympics, is offering private one-to-one swimming lessons around the Capital.

The Edinburgh-based swimmer advertised the venture last week on Gumtree and has so far had a "good amount" of interest from those looking to improve their skills.

Mr Dale, 24, has planned the business with fellow professional swimmer 23-year-old Julia Beckett, who is due to move to the city next month.

She also competed in the Beijing Olympics and scooped a silver medal at the 2006 Commonwealth Games, competing in freestyle and backstroke.

Mr Dale began competing nationally in 2001 and internationally in 2003. He won two silver medals for Scotland at the 2006 Commonwealth Games in Melbourne and competed alongside Michael Phelps at the 2008 Olympics.

He said: "I'm not aware of many people doing this sort of thing before. I'll teach people privately and look at their weaknesses, plus teach them some general tips.

"Whether you want to develop your swimming skills, improve fitness or train for a specific event, I will tailor the sessions to your needs. After an initial meeting you can decide whether you want to do one-off sessions or complete a training course developed specifically for that person."

Between 2005 and 2008 at the British championships, Mr Dale, who trains at Loughborough University, took home a gold, a silver medal and three bronze accolades.

He said lessons would contribute to reducing body fat, work underused muscles and improve flexibility and posture, as well as being enjoyable. They can be tailored for swimmers of all abilities.

Anyone interested should contact [email protected]