Star sport

My name is Corey Buckman. I am 35 years old and I live in Mascot. I am a personal trainer and I am a swimmer.

Q: What gay and lesbian sporting clubs are you a member of and how long have you been with them?
A: I joined Wett Ones Swimming Club in 2000.

Q: When did you get involved in the clubs and why?
A: I was training with Sydney University adult squad and was asked to come along to Wett Ones and try it out. I stayed with Wett Ones as I found the squad to be challenging. I started to focus on the 2002 Gay Games.

Q: Who would you consider a mentor or role models in sport? Why?
A: Growing up, my mentor was my swimming coach. But I believe anyone who participates in sport is a role model.

Q: What is your greatest sporting moment? Why?
A: Winning eight medals at the 2002 Gay Games. I had a great result and the support from friends was amazing.

Q: What motivates you to keep going?
A: What motivates me to keep going at the moment is my focus on the Gay Games in Cologne in August 2010 and the support of my partner, family and friends.

Q: Are you single or in a relationship? Does your partner participate in sport? Which one?
A: I have been with my partner James for six years. James participates in cycling and will be competing in cycling in Cologne.

Q: How old were you when you began playing sport?
A: I was eight years old when I started swimming.

Q: Who is your biggest sports fan? How do they show their support?
A: James is. James comes to most swimming carnivals I attend. James is great and has dinner ready to go when I get home from training.

Q: What is your most embarrassing sports moment?
A: When I was 15 I remember my mum screaming at me down the side of the pool to go faster. I banned Mum from watching me compete for five years after that.

Q: What would you do without your sport?
A: I would be really stressed out. There is nothing better than having time in the pool away from noise and distractions of everyday life and just focus on yourself.

Q: Would you switch to another sport? If so, which one?
A: I am an individual competitor so if I was going to do anything else it would be running or triathlons.

Q: Tell us about your best sports night out ever.
A: After I finished the Gay Games in 2002. The most memorable part was friends organising a medal ceremony at home.

Q: How would you get readers interested in your sport?
A: Swimming is a great low impact work-out. The Wett Ones is very social but they provide a great one-hour work-out as well.
We have a variety of levels of capability. We offer three lanes to cater for slower swimmers up to fast and competitive swimmers.
There are many members of Wett Ones who have stuck with it and over time have improved their ability, gained strength and even lost weight.
For more information, visit www.wettones.org

Q: What is the best thing about your sports club?
A: All the members are committed to the swim club, through managing the club, organising social events, organising our carnival and participating in club training and at various carnivals during the year.