‘All of us are extremely determined’

It is obvious that the Jameses have been blessed with good sporting genes. But nature only accounts for around 50 per cent of sporting performance, and there remain a number of other crucial factors that have led them towards cycling success. The biggest part of the ‘other’ 50 per cent, they feel, are mental factors – determination and commitment.

“I was always very determined,” Becky says. “I always had a big goal, targets in my mind, and I always wanted to go to the Olympics and win a medal.”

Rachel chips in: “For sure, none of us are afraid of hard work, that’s a definite. Working hard is one of my strengths, and I can push myself and be quite determined to train really hard. I think we’re all the same in that sense.”

Owing to the sporty and competitive environment they grew up in, all of the Jameses exude a determined personality, even if Megan and Rachel have more fearless personalities compared to the more reserved Becky and Ffion.

During the build-up to the

Rio Olympics, Becky suffered a number of significant injuries: “I needed a lot of support from my coach because I lack selfbelief,” she says. “I always believed I could do it, but I had to work hard on the mental side of things. I worked closely with a psychologist who helped me to believe in myself. I really struggled with nerves going into races, and a year out from the Olympics I didn’t think it was long enough to get myself into condition. But I always worked hard.”