In 2014, Ollie Hynd had the world at his feet, but there was something missing.

The swimmer was not content with holding European, World and Paralympic titles, he wanted to complete the set, he wanted to be Commonwealth Champion.

And at Glasgow 2014, he did just that, as the 27-year-old claimed gold in the SM8 200m medley, winning by a margin of 8.39 seconds.

“Glasgow 2014 was amazing. I had never been to a Commonwealth Games before and I didn’t know what to expect,” said the Mansfield swimmer.

“At that point, it was the only title I was missing so I was excited to be able to be on the team, represent Team England and have the opportunity to race and get the title. It is something I will forever remember.

“Any time you get to represent your country is a big honour and something that needs to be respected.

“There is a little bit more pride representing Team England and a bit of friendly rivalry between the home nations is always evident at the Commonwealth Games. To represent both Great Britain and Team England is something I am very proud of.”

Hind’s victory in Glasgow was his first major medal since his older brother, Sam, retired aged 22, with the two doing battle since the younger sibling’s international debut in 2011.

The sibling rivalry was taken global straight away as Oliver claimed the 200m individual medley at the 2011 European Championships, beating his brother’s European record in the process.

An Olympic title followed on home soil at London 2012 before he claimed his first World titles in 2013, but Hynds admitted there is no feeling like being part of Team England.

He added: “What being English means to me is being brave, we always do our best and are world-class - that’s what Team England reflects and what all the Team England athletes at the Commonwealth Games reflect.

“The majority of the athletes at the Games are able bodied so being a para athlete I don’t know a lot of the athletes competing in the village.

“But when you get put into that at the Games you become one and are made to feel so welcome and everyone was there to help everybody else and ensure they are able to deliver the best performance.

“That’s a vital part of the sport and when you get that comradery within the team and the whole of Team England supporting each other, that’s when you get the best performances coming through.”

For Hynd, the Glasgow crowds were reminiscent of London and made him feel part of a home Games even as Team England travelled north of the border.


“I think probably the main highlight [of 2014] would be the Commonwealth Games, being able to compete again in front of a home crowd, it was very reminiscent of how it was in London,” he said.

“I was able to complete the Grand Slam of titles so to speak, European, World, Paralympic and Commonwealth gold. It was really special. Not many people can say they have achieved that.

“I’m really proud to have done that and grateful for the opportunities I have been given as well.”

More gold would follow in 2016 as Hynd competed at his second Paralympics, he defended his SM8 200m individual medley title before upgrading his silver in the S8 400m freestyle doing both in world record times..

Another Commonwealth Games was not to be as Hynd was reclassified from S8 to S9 but it did give him the opportunity to speak on one of the most important issues, mental health.

Hynd stepped away from the pool to focus on himself and his happiness but always has the memories of being part of Team England and the Commonwealth Games to look back on.