Q&A: Melanie Nocher, Irish Olympic swimmer

Q. First Olympic memory?

The Sydney Olympics I was 12 and watched the opening ceremony and said to myself I want to be there one day.

Q. First time you gave an autograph?

The European Championships in Dublin in 2003 as the youngest member on the team at 14.

Q. I’m afraid of?

Not achieving all I want to in life and what I am capable of.

Q. The one thing nobody knows about me?

Well if I wrote that then everyone would know and I’d not have something people didn’t know.

Q. If I’d to Sky plus one show?

I like a lot of things but it would probably be something funny to make me laugh like Who’s Line Is It Anyway.

Q. Complete this sentence: Qualifying for Beijing is:

A goal I’ve been working for all my life and something I’m proud to have achieved.

Q. Sunshine holiday or Inca Tail?

Sunshine holiday without a shadow of a doubt.

Q. Favourite website?

www.houseoffrazer.co.uk — anything shopping orientated.

Q. I drive?

A Vauxhall Tigra exclusive coupe — it’s my baby

Q. The tattoo you’d most like?

I’m getting the Olympic rings after Beijing

Q. What’s your ringtone?

Florida FT T-pain — Get Low

Q. What’s your favourite tipple?

Vodka and cranberry with fresh lime

Q. Who’s your most difficult opponent?

Myself

Q. When the Olympics are all over I’ll....

Go on holiday to Egypt then get straight back to training

Q. What sportsperson would you like to share an ice bath with?

I don’t enjoy ice baths so it probably wouldn’t matter. I have my eyes closed for most of it while I try not to cry but probably someone who’s take my mind off it looks-wise like Thierry Henry.

Q. If you were a character from history you’d be?

Cleopatra — because she was strong-willed, determined and treated like a god because of what she did.

Q. If you were stranded on a desert island who’d be Man Friday to your Robinson Crusoe?

Some tall, dark and handsome athletic male.

Q. Who’d play you in a film?

Cameron Diaz cause she’s fun, energetic and determined.

Q. With a ticking bomb, do you cut the blue, red or yellow wire to defuse?

The red wire — not that I’ve done it before… just guessing it’s the live wire.

Q. If you had one super power what would it be and why?

Telekinesis because it’s a two for one superpower — you can move objects and yourself so you have the ability to fly.