About Marie Toms::

• Age: 27
• Where I live: London, UK
• Where I’m from: Nottingham, UK

Sport Interests: Waterskiing, Snow Skiing, Running, Climbing, Cycling & Weight Training 

How I got started waterskiing: I grew up near the River Trent and learned to waterski on a Sunday afternoon behind my dad's little outboard. Nottingham is a great sporting city and home to the National Watersports Centre, so I had lessons and fell in love with the sport from there.

Athletic achievements: British, European & World Medalist in tournament waterskiing which consists of 3 events - slalom, trick and jump. I took a career break from waterskiing in 2004 and am returning to competition in 2007 as a slalom specialist.  

Athletic goals: To get back to the top of British waterskiing after my career break.

Inspiration: Many people have inspired me, my parents, my partner Geoff and those I have trained with and been coached by. Perhaps one of the most inspiring ladies was Elena Milakova, a Russian skier and World/European Champion/Record Holder who had so little financially but achieved so much athletically as she possessed an amazing talent. I spent many months with her in Spain and she is truly an incredible person.  
 
Philosophy: "The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams" Eleanor Roosevelt.

Favourite spot to do my sport: I love the sun and I love Spain, so it has to be Xavi Mill Esqui Nautico near Barcelona (www.xavimill.com) - the water is a beautiful turquoise and so clean!!

Favourite Girls4Sport wear: Long Sleeve Rash Guards (it's chilly most of the time in England!!) and it also doubles up as sun protection - I burn so easily!!!

What I do when I'm not in the water: I love to cook (& eat!!) and have a really sweet tooth. I like gardening - I grow my own veggies (on my balcony) and have a collection of beautiful orchids. I'm a keen writer and contribute to magazines especially on the safer sun awareness campaign.   

My job: I'm a Fitness Trainer and Climbing Instructor at the Reebok Sports Club in London (www.reebokclub.co.uk). It's a fantastic place to work and train. I also lead a Running Club and race in 10km events (my pb is 45:34).

Education: I'm currently studying for a BSc in Sport & Exercise Science at London South Bank University.

Interesting/unusual facts about me:  I was an answer to a question on the hit TV quiz show "Who wants to be a millionaire!"

To read more about Marie, visit: www.marietoms.co.uk