JODIE STIMPSON

Entering your first race? The gold medallist is here with tips on staying motivated and enjoying your achievements

1 MAKE THE MOST OF OPPORTUNITIES

I wish I’d made more use of British Triathlon. From quite an early age I had an independent coach so I didn’t make the most of the facilities and experts available through British Triathlon – mainly because I was out of the country from the age of 19! So, don’t pass up any opportunities when they come your way.

2 NEVER USE NEW KIT IN A RACE

I remember competing in a youth relay championships and they put these toe-clips on our bikes so we could ride in running shoes. I was used to using clipless pedals with my shoes attached to my bike and ended up leaving T1 barefoot! I did the whole bike leg without shoes – it didn’t save any time!

3 ENJOY YOUR ACHIEVEMENTS

Chrissie Wellington sent me an email after I came second in the ITU World Series in 2013. She said: “Make sure you take the time to enjoy what you’ve achieved.” That was one of the best pieces of advice I’ve ever received.

4 PRACTISE, PRACTISE, PRACTISE

Whatever you do in training should happen in your race. Obviously things can go awry, but if you’ve practised in training you should have the confidence to race to the best of your ability.

5 DON’T WORRY ABOUT YOUR ABILITY

You don’t need to be from a Swimming, cycling or running background to do well in triathlon. Already having the necessary swim skills just makes it easier to race more aggressively at the start.

6 TRI AS A TEAM

The best thing that triathlon has given me is the memories that I’ve shared with my family. Triathlon isn’t an individual sport – my family are the main team behind me. I think triathlon has allowed us all to experience some great moments together.

7 STAY MOTIVATED

I’d love to race Ironman, it’s another step to take after you’ve finished Olympic distance. First off I want to go to the Commonwealth Games [in 2018] and then the Tokyo Olympics in 2020, but then I want to do 70.3 and eventually go to Kona. I love triathlon and all elements of it, so I want to do as much as I can. I think I’ll be the oldest finisher in Kona one day!

“If you’ve practised in training you should have the confidence to race to the best of your ability”