Under the microscope

Former Olympic athlete Dame Kelly Holmes, 49, answers our health quiz

CAN YOU RUN UPSTAIRS?

I’M STILL very active, even though I retired from athletics in 2005. I exercise four to five times a week: running, cycling, weight training and circuits. Swimming’s not my thing, though — I don’t do water or cold!

GET YOUR FIVE A DAY?

YES, but I don’t restrict myself. If I want something, I’ll have it.

ANY VICES?

I LOVE savoury popcorn. Going to the cinema in South Africa, where I have a property, is a whole different popcorn experience. You get your big tub and then they have little pots of flavoured salts or toppings, such as barbecue and sour cream and chive.

ANY FAMILY AILMENTS?

NO. My mum died in 2017, aged 64, from myeloma, a blood cancer, but it’s not hereditary.

WORST INJURY?

I RUPTURED my left calf muscle and tore my Achilles in 1997 at the World Championships and I was warned my career could be over. That was the same leg which had had a stress fracture at my first Olympics the year before. Physical pain aside, there’s the psychological impact — not knowing how long it’s going to take to recover.

POP ANY PILLS?

APART from turmeric for inflammation, I’ve started taking more vitamin B for energy.

EVER BEEN DEPRESSED?

IN 2003 I had a breakdown before the World Championships in Paris. It hit me like a brick wall. A physical injury can be easier to cope with because there’s a focused rehab programme, but a mental issue can feel like an insurmountable weight, with no end in sight. I tried antidepressants and electro-convulsive therapy, but CBT [cognitive behavioural therapy] brought me a lot more clarity.

HANGOVER CURE?

I WAS in a bad way last Saturday after partying until 4am with friends. The next day I had hot water and lemon, and then dragged two friends out to go walking to get our bodies moving.

WHAT KEEPS YOU AWAKE AT NIGHT?

I’M NOT a good sleeper. I get six hours’ sleep if I’m lucky. My brain is always going and I’m usually up early.

BIGGEST PHOBIA?

WATER and a fear of drowning. And animals being where they shouldn’t. Recently, I came home to find a squirrel running amok in my house. I had to call my dad to come and help me return it to the wild.

LIKE TO LIVE FOR EVER?

AS LONG as I’ve got my marbles and I can stay young in mind.

Kelly’s book, Running life, is out now at £20.