WHEN Blair Evans competes in the Women's 4x200 Freestyle Relay on Wednesday night in London, she won't only be flying the Australian flag, she will also be representing the Saints.
 
The 21-year-old swimmer came in sixth in the Women's 400m Individual Medley on Saturday, missing out on a chance in the final.
 
In the lead up to the Olympic Games, Blair's training program included nine pool sessions and six sessions on dry land per week.
 
One could forgive her for putting all other priorities aside whilst training in preparation to compete on the world’s biggest stage; however Blair still managed to put St Kilda in the forefront of her mind.

 
“I definitely watch every game, a few weeks ago I was actually in the pool for the first quarter so I had to drive home really fast to catch it,” Blair told saints.com.au
 
Perth born Blair has been a dedicated Saints fan for seven years, falling instantly in love with the side when a friend took her to her first game.
 
“My friend who I used to swim with actually took me to my first game with the Saints she said to ‘come along, you’ll love them cause I do’ so I went along, and saw a couple of games.”

“But when she actually took me to a function that the boys were at, I got to meet all the players back when Robert Harvey and all of those guys were playing.”

“I just kind of fell in love with the whole team environment and all their personalities, so since then I just followed them religiously.”
 
“This is only my seventh year supporting the Saints and just from day one I’ve kind of been with them the whole way.”
 
She admits she didn’t follow football growing up, but there is something special about St Kilda that has kept her hooked.
 
“I have the scarf with me at all times and I always wrap it around my dog as well to make sure that he is supporting as well.”
 
As a die-hard fan, Blair finds it hard to pick out a player as her favourite.
 
“I’ve had so many favourites!  There’s Sam Fisher, Sam Gilbert, Nick Dal Santo, Armitage, Lenny…I love everyone really!”
 
The first-time Olympian knows the determination and hard-work that is required of elite athletes, and identifies with all of the Saints’ fighting spirits.
 
“I think AFL players are some of the toughest out there, with the training they go through and the amount of running they do,” Blair explained.
 
“The highs and lows of the sport compares to my sport as well. The Olympics is like their grand final so it all leads up to that kind of week and I definitely can take a lot of experience and similarity between the feelings that we both have; the upsets and the joys.”
 
The St Kilda Football Club wishes Blair all the best in her Olympic aspirations and will be cheering her on every step of the way.
 
“It’s going to be an amazing experience, getting out there and competing for Australia,”