Marc Woods - Challenge of a lifetime

When he was just 17, Marc Woods lost his left leg after developing an osteosarcoma - a type of bone cancer - in his foot. But that didn't stop him discovering what it was like to stand on the podium and receive medals for swimming.

Now retired from his international swimming career, however, 41-year-old Manchester-based Marc travels the world as a motivational speaker.

He also has undertaken an impressive number of challenges, which to date have included climbing the world's highest volcano (Cotopaxi in Ecuador), Mont Pelvoux in France and the 22,200ft Mera Peak in Nepal.

Married with a one-year-old baby daughter, Marc is also the author of a book entitled Personal Best (Capstone, £9.99).

AAH: What motivated you to get back in the pool after you had cancer?

MW: After I lost my leg I didn't know what I was going to be able to do, I didn't even know how I'd be able to walk. But because I'd already been a swimmer at county level, I knew I'd be able to swim.

And at one point I had a flash of inspiration: I wasn't sure how long I had, whether it was six months, six years or 60 years. But I knew that I wanted to spend that time being the best I could be. So when I started swimming again, I decided I was going to be as good as I could be at it.

I also knew there was no point in my feeling sorry for myself. I thought to myself, nobody's going to feel that sorry for me, so I'm not going to either.

AAH: What did it feel like when you were picked for the British team?

MW: It was fantastic. It was just 18 months after I'd finished having chemotherapy. I made it onto the team in 1987, but it was too late for me to go to the European Championships that year. So I went to Seoul in October 1988. That was a real life experience for a 19-year-old. It was such a big turnaround for me.

AAH: Are you excited about the London 2012 Olympics?

MW: Yes, I'm really looking forward to the London games. I was also in Trafalgar Square when they announced that we'd won the bid for the 2012 games. That was such a fantastic feeling. There were lots of Olympians and Paralympians there, we were really excited about the whole thing.

AAH: You're also doing lots of challenges these days too, aren't you?

MW: Yes, I think I'm becoming a bit of a challenge junkie. Having cancer was obviously a massive challenge and I managed to come out the other end. Then the swimming was a challenge. And now I'm doing other challenges - the next one is a trek to the South Pole. The team will include an Olympian, a Paralympian and a Special Olympian, and we're planning to arrive at the South Pole during the first week of 2012, which will be the 100-year anniversary of Scott arriving at the Antarctic.

AAH: What do you do these days to stay in shape?

MW: I do a bit of climbing and I eat a lot less food than I used to. When I was training I'd eat 6,000 calories a day, but now I eat about the right amount to stay at my current weight. I'll eat pretty much anything that's put in front of me. I'm not a big drinker and I don't smoke, but I do love chocolate. But if you asked my wife, she'd probably say I should eat more fruit.

AAH: Finally Marc, what's your motto for life?

MW: I don't want to have any regrets when I get to the end of my life. I want to be able to say that I gave what I wanted to do a try. And I did it to the best of my abilities - no half measures.

Find out more about Marc at: marcwoods.com