Hi All!

Welcome to the first true edition of Marieke's blog! Every month, and sometimes more regularly, you can trust this section to provide you with all of the best insider information into the world of swimming and swimwear. But don't just stand by the sidelines... get involved, post comments, ask questions and give feedback. This is the area where you can leave your comments and questions for the world to see, and for a World Champion and World Record-Holding swimmer to answer for you!

Well, it truly has been a crazy month here, in every sense of the word!

First of all, I must tell you my very exciting news... my boyfriend Jason and I are now engaged! Jason proposed in Rome on our last night there, after the World Champs ended earlier this month. Of course I said 'yes' and now we are busy planning our engagement party for later on this year. Any advice for us? Leave a comment below...

We must give the Hotel Hassler in Rome a very special thank you for helping Jason to set up the proposal, and for the beautiful room they provided us with. We had a fantastic time and thoroughly recommend Hotel Hassler to anyone traveling to Rome! 

Secondly, and I'm sure you have heard, I had some success in Roma at the World Champs, coming away with a gold medal in my pet event, the 50m butterfly. It was a massive surprise as I really didn't expect to win, but it just goes to show that in a final, anything can happen, and it's the person that sticks to their race plan and lets their body do what it knows (not their mind rule) that ends up on top at the finish line. 

Thirdly, welcome to our new website. This site is designed to be much more interactive, so that you, whether you are an athlete, a parent, sibling, friend, or someone who enjoys swimming or swimwear can get involved, ask questions, make comments or suggestions or simply socialise with people with similar interests. So come on, be one of the first to post a comment to this blog below!

If you have a question that you would like to ask Marieke, but don't want everyone else to see, send an email in the 'Talk to Marieke' section under 'Marieke's News' in the main menu. Marieke will get back to you as soon as she can with a personal answer.

Not only that, but there are savings for you on this new website as well! Ever purchased 3 or more pairs of swimwear and wished you got a discount? Well, now you can! Log into the new members club where you can 'choose your own combo' and get some great discounts on other garments as well! This is only available in the exclusive members club, though, so join up now - it's free!

Lastly, I would like to thank you all for all of your lovely messages of support throughout this last year of swimming, and particularly when I was away overseas for the Worlds.

Have a great August!

Love Marieke xoxo