I wanted medication to fix my depression but I needed to fix myself

like she’s found the coping mechanisms that work for her. “I know that for me, being in a place where I can focus and work hard physically, in an environment that’s slightly dangerous – to be perfectly honest – helps to rebuild my confidence and my strength in myself.

“That’s my happy place!” she adds with a laugh.

“The whole episode has definitely made me more aware of my mental wellbeing and more vigilant to things that make me feel a little bit out of sorts.

“If I’m feeling a certain way, I won’t let it spiral. I’ll try and nip it in the bud early, or do something or speak to somebody before it gets into a situation that could potentially make me feel really bad.”

Although she says she doesn’t miss competing as a cyclist, Victoria can still be found on two wheels – although these days, you’re more likely to see her on the back of a 675cc engine, having recently passed her motorcycle test. When I bring up the subject, her voice lights up. “Oh my gosh,” she exclaims. “I tell you what, this Triumph Scrambler [she rides a Triumph Street Triple], the noise it makes when it’s rumbling inside my helmet – I love it!

“I’ve always wanted to be a biker chick,” she enthuses. “Ticking stuff off my bucket list makes me happy – so this bike makes me really happy.”

Speaking to Victoria, you get the sense that she isn’t hiding anything from the outside world – her honesty is as refreshing as her boundless enthusiasm for daredevil sports.

“I’ve never been closed on any aspect of how I feel and I think that’s something I take pride in, to be perfectly honest. Just because you might struggle a bit with mental health issues, doesn’t mean you can’t still be an Olympic champion or achieve whatever you want to.

“It’s not a barrier to stop you,” Victoria affirms. “It might slow you down, but it won’t stop you, and I think that’s important for people to understand.”