Amber Keegan
Swimming
Amber is a British swimmer who competes internationally and has represented Great Britain on three occasions to date. 2022 was her breakout year, winning international medals in both pool and open water disciplines. (main photo credit: GB Swimstars).
She started swimming because her parents knew it was a valuable life skill, and quickly found joy in the water, especially in competing. She got her first taste of international competition in 2013 when she won silver at the European Junior Championships for the 400 Individual Medley and went on to race at World Junior Championships the same year.
Amber’s first national senior medal (and first world top 25 time) came in 2016. However, from 2017-2019, she faced setbacks including a shoulder injury, torn hamstring, an eating disorder and getting hit by a Land Rover. Undeterred, these setbacks only made Amber more determined to achieve her ambitions, but lack of access to swimming facilities during the covid forestalled her return to full training until 2021.
In Amber’s comeback season (2021-22), she won 3 x British and 2 x English titles, and became 3 x BUCS champion (6 x medallist) with a 1500 m time that put her 15th in the world. She also won her first medals at senior international competitions – bronze at Mare Nostrum in the 1500 m (pool) and 4 x golds: BEST Fest 1.5 and 7.5 km, Ria del Navia 7.5 and 5 km (open water).
Sport means more than medals to Amber, who feels strongly that sport has the power to change lives. Her challenging journey inspired her to unite a group of athletes to form a not-for-profit organisation, Athlete Interactions, which aims to reduce the stigma and increase support for athletes’ mental health. Amber is passionate about the mental and physical health benefits of sports, and for that reason is also passionate about participation, particularly amongst women and girls.
Amber is currently training with aspirations for Paris 2024 Olympics. Alongside this, she is, studying for a PhD in the Green Nanomaterials Research Group (Chemical Engineering), fulfilling her passion for environmental sustainability. After completing her PhD, she aspires to work in ‘science for policy’ (communicating scientific advice to policy makers with the intention of informing decisions).
ENQUIRIES: If you are interested in partnering with OR booking Amber for a speaking engagement please email callum@athletemedia.co.uk or call 07952 304340.