Why blowing off steam is Whittle's secret to success
- Published
When Jacob Whittle blows off steam as a swimmer preparing for the Commonwealth Games, he does so in a literal sense.
While the 21-year-old has collected a hoard of medals during his young career in the pool - which includes gold at the World Championships and Birmingham Commonwealth Games in recent years - he has also been busy accumulating a fleet of steam engines.
Small-scale versions of traction engines sit pride of place in his collection of motors, alongside vintage motorbikes and a treasured tractor.
All are vehicles he maintains and drives, with each being a distraction from the pressures of competition.
In the lead up to the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, the swimmer from Alfreton in Derbyshire sat down with BBC East Midlands Today sports editor Natalie Jackson to discuss how his hobby has helped him in the pool.
"It is sort of an addiction and not a hobby," Whittle said with a laugh.
"You can't stop thinking about it and looking at new things - I love it and it's a good switch-off for when I leave the pool."
Whittle's coach Jamie Main, who is based at Repton School, also talks about Whittle's dual passion for elite swimming and "rural life".