Laura Gallagher Athlete Ambassador
Laura is a trampoline athlete who has qualified to compete at the Olympic games. She talks to Sundried about her journey.
Have you always been into sport?
Yes, I have always loved sport. I enjoy doing and watching pretty much all sport! From a young age I did lots: rugby, football, dancing, athletics, table tennis, hockey etc think trampolining was always my favourite. I decided I wanted to spend more time trampolining age 15, so although I kept going with all school sports, I stopped most of my other hobbies so I could train more and I have now represented Great Britain for the past 16 years!
How did you first get into triathlon?
I had a few months away from trampolining in 2016 and my husband set me a challenge of doing a triathlon. It was a local event but I loved it! It was a strange one though because I remember thinking on the bike- why am I doing this? But then once I had finished, I had such a good buzz and wanted to do it again! Maybe once I have finished jumping- for now I just bike as part of my training programme.
What is your proudest achievement?
I’m going to be greedy because I can’t choose between 2! My most special moment was qualifying for Great Britain to compete at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics by qualifying to the 2019 World Championship final. A huge moment because the journey had really not been an easy one but all the hard work came together and to qualify a place for the team felt amazing. My second was winning the 2013 World Championships with the team! It was a massive achievement for us, following a silver medal at the previous Worlds- and on a personal level I competed a PB at the time too! It meant we were European and World Champions, it was an incredible feeling and still feels so to this day and as with all the team events, such an exciting competition!
How do you overcome setbacks?
It depends on the situation but always have the same purpose and commitment. As I have become more experienced I think I am calmer now and much more rational. I always approach with a plan- that usually becomes many plans! I think it is important to know though, that plans are just a guide and being adaptable is so important. Situations change so be flexible with that- every setback adds to experience and is an opportunity to learn and add new tools to the toolbox.
What advice do you wish you'd been given when you first started out?
Be patient! Be smart, good things take time and cannot be rushed. I learned this the hard way! Hard work does not only involve physically smashing every session. It means working hard in training, during recovery, nutrition, planning and psychologically. Strategy and preparation are just as important as the physical work you put in.
Why work with Sundried?
I first came across Sundried after seeing a friend wearing the kit. I find the kit super comfortable and soft and although I am not a triathlete I wear Sundried when I am training both on the trampoline, in the gym and on the bike. I admire what Sundried stands for in their care for the environment and giving back and I am proud to wear the kit!
