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Glutafin Sponsors Coeliac Swimmer Representing GB Down Under
April 2008
Glutafin is proud to be supporting coeliac swimmer Mark Straw, who’s competing in the 12th FINA World Masters Swimming Championships in Perth, Australia this April.
50-year-old Mark is certainly diving in head first, competing in five different events including 50, 100 and 200m freestyle and 50 and 100m butterfly in his age group of 50-54. He’ll be competing in the impressive Challenge Stadium in Perth - where Aussie Olympic swimmers regularly train - to around 10,000 participants and spectators from over 70 countries.
Mark from Basingstoke nearly didn’t enter the competition at all because despite being super-fit all his life, last summer his swim times were poor and he never seemed to have enough energy. What changed his mind was shockingly being diagnosed with coeliac disease in October. Being diagnosed and switching to a completely gluten-free diet has changed Mark’s life dramatically.
“My training for the Championships has really improved since stabilising my condition. Before I was diagnosed with coeliac disease, despite drinking energy drinks whilst training, inevitably I needed to get out of the pool halfway through to eat jelly babies to counter low blood sugar due to my diabetes.
“Glutafin’s sending me out to Australia with boxes of my favourite products, which is reassuring as it’s always a bit unnerving going somewhere new where you’re not sure what the gluten-free food is like. Although, I’ve heard that Australia is good at gluten-free, especially when it comes to eating out. Sadly, that hasn’t been my experience here in the UK. There seem to be very few restaurants or pubs that have even heard of coeliac disease, let alone cater for it.”
“Competing in the Championships and visiting Australia is going to be an experience of a lifetime. Being diagnosed with coeliac disease was actually a real relief as I now know why I was feeling so unwell and am able to treat my condition. I’m feeling fit and healthy and can’t wait to dive in the pool!”
For full story by Kate Kerss, click on this icon. 
And keep up-to-date with Mark via his blog.