Under the microscope

PARALYMPIC gold medallist Jonnie Peacock, 24, answers our health quiz

CAN YOU RUN UP THE STAIRS?

I SHOULD hope so! When I’m competing, I train six days a week. During the filming of the TV show Strictly Come Dancing, we got Sundays off, but during the week we practised in the studio, on Friday we had rehearsals and then on Saturday we did the show. It was tiring, but I loved it!

GET YOUR FIVE A DAY?

I ALWAYS try. I fit in three or four portions first thing with a fruit smoothie. Lunch is often a sandwich or sushi and dinner is steak with veg and potatoes, or pasta with chicken.

ANY VICES?

ANYTHING bad, I’m probably into it — burgers and chocolate are my biggest vices, though I also love cheese.

ANY FAMILY AILMENTS?

ON MY mum’s side there is a history of heart disease.

WORST ILLNESS?

WHEN I was five years old I contracted meningitis and was rushed to my local hospital. I was put into an induced coma by the doctors there for a week and my family was told to prepare themselves for the worst. My right leg below my knee had to be amputated. The next six months were a real learning process for me, though I think it was easier because I was young and more adaptable. These days, there’s not much it affects — I’ve never let it stop me or my dreams.

POP ANY PILLS?

I TRY to get most of my nutrients from my food because if you’re taking vitamins on top of that, you’re making your organs, such as your kidneys, work harder than they need to.

COPE WELL WITH PAIN?

I THINK I’ve got a relatively high pain threshold because when I was younger I pushed myself not to let my amputation affect me. I just wanted to run around the football pitch with my mates, so I’d do it until my stump was red raw from chafing. My mum used to tell me the pain of not being involved would be worse.

TRIED ALTERNATIVE REMEDIES?

I GET electro-stim acupuncture once a week when I’m training to help keep my muscles looser and reduce pain and inflammation. It’s similar to the traditional form of acupuncture, but it has a small electrode in the needle.

HANGOVER CURE?

I TRY to get as much sleep as possible and then eat a banana for the potassium. Tequila and mojitos are my drinks of choice.

WHAT KEEPS YOU UP AT NIGHT?

IT’S getting to sleep that’s the issue for me because I overthink. Putting on my headphones and playing white noise helps.

ANY PHOBIAS?

HEIGHTS. I once climbed the tower in Bruges, but had to go back down because I was so uncomfortable.

LIKE TO LIVE FOR EVER?

I THINK I’d get a bit bored.