Abby Scales Athlete Ambassador

Abby is a young athlete who has hopes of achieving a podium finish at an international level. She talks to Sundried about training and racing.

Have you always been into sport?

I have always been into sport, I was far too energetic as a kid not to be active. I played football for 9 years and massively enjoyed cross country at school. I then took up athletics and ended up taking up duathlon.

How did you first get into triathlon?

It was actually my dad's idea for me to try a duathlon; he somehow knew I would love it and he was right. I wasn't sure I would enjoy it as much as running. But as soon as I had crossed the finish line of my first race, I knew it was the sport for me. Everything that could have gone wrong went wrong in that race but I loved it.

What's been your favourite race to date and why?

My favourite race has to be The London Landmarks Half Marathon. I hadn't put any pressure on myself and I had no idea what I was capable of achieving, because of this I felt calm and I set of and enjoyed every step. The crowds and the atmosphere were incredible. I raced so well and finished 14th lady overall which was a great added bonus but for me I just had a great time.

What's your proudest achievement?

I would have to say my proudest achievement was being selected to represent Great Britain at the European Age Group Duathlon in 2017, I had only competed at 3 duathlons and I was only 17.

Have you ever had any racing disasters?

I'm not sure I would call it a complete disaster but at my first duathlon I had a mechanical issue. After putting my chain back on 4 times and it coming straight back off, I was about to call it a day. I somehow managed to see that my front derailleur had been knocked (I had no bike knowledge at this point). I finished the race but I was miles behind.

What advice do you wish you'd been given when you first started out?

I wish I'd been told that you don't wear underwear under your bike shorts, I learned this the hard way.

What are your goals?

My long-term goal is to win a medal at the European Championships.

Who inspires you?

My biggest inspiration as a kid was my PE teacher, she has always believed in me. I have bumped into her a few times and the first thing she asks me is "are you still running?"

Why work with Sundried?

I work with Sundried because I agree with their company values. Why would you want to buy cheap and disposable clothing when you buy high quality at a reasonable price that will last.