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?
ANY VICES?
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?
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.