Maria Joins The F-Team
We are excited to welcome Irish swimmer Maria Godden to the Funkita F-Team! Maria trains under John Szaranek at The National Centre at the University of Limerick. At the 2023 European Short Course Championships, Maria qualified for the semis in both the 100m and 200m backstroke, and in February represented Ireland again at the World Championships in Doha.
She has her focus set on qualifying for her second World Championships in 2025 as well as the 2025 World University Games. The National Centre is the perfect environment for Maria to combine her ambitious goals in the pool towards 2028, and her studies in pharmaceutical chemistry at the University of Limerick. As Maria says,
“My friends and my team that I get to train with, we all motivate and encourage each other as we travel the world exploring and racing in new pools. I want to be the best that I can be and I love to challenge myself both in and out of the water”.
In order to get to know Maria some more we asked her 5 quick questions.
FK: What are your pre-race rituals?
MG: Listening to music, getting a back massage, getting my nails done.
FK: What is your favourite meal?
MG: Anything with chocolate!
FK: What is your dream competition location?
MG: America. They put on amazing shows with a fantastic crowd, I feel as if I would race really fast there!
FK: What are your other interests?
MG: I am a full time student, studying pharmaceutical chemistry and I LOVE science. I enjoy listening to science podcasts while walking my dog. I enjoy baking, my current obsession is raspberry and white chocolate scones. I like reading romance novels before I go to bed and my friends and I love finding new coffee shops to explore in Ireland and around the world.
FK: What are your family achievements in sport?
MG: My dad played soccer for Watford, and now trains for half and full Ironmans, while my uncle ran cross-country for GB. My mum was on her college rowing team growing up and still rows to this day. My youngest sister also swims and is a member of the Swim Ireland regional programme. My other sister runs and won the Irish Cross Country schools title. My younger brother plays soccer and rugby as well as the occasional triathlon!
All the best to Maria for the year ahead leading into World Champ Trials! Stay tuned to our social media platform and website for her progress and you can follow Maria @maria.godden
