Grace Fleming Athlete Ambassador
Grace is an athlete who never let setbacks get in her way. She talks to Sundried about training and racing.
Have you always been into sport?
I have always absolutely loved sport. When I was younger I tried as many different sports as I could. Hockey, netball, rounders, tennis, gymnastics, swimming, horse riding, rowing and athletics. I gave them all a try and then later into secondary school, I found my love of triathlon. Sport has been a big part of my life thus far.
What made you decide to enter the world of triathlon?
What first gave me the idea of trying triathlon was when I was watching the Brownlee brothers race in a World Series race and I was in awe of them. I knew from that point, that’s what I wanted to do. I had always been into swimming and running, I just hadn’t had much experience cycling up until then.
What’s been your favourite race to date and why?
Hever Castle triathlon in 2016 because that was the race that really gave me the bug for the sport and I loved every minute of it!
And your proudest achievement?
Racing cross-country for Kent at the Inter-Counties and English schools championships.
Have you ever had any racing disasters/your toughest race yet?
In my first ever triathlon, my bike broke (and had to get picked up off the bike course by a van) and at my second triathlon I took a wrong turn on the bike course (and got disqualified because of that). I’m pleased I kept sticking at triathlon after those two experiences!
How do you overcome setbacks?
Injury has been a big part of my life over the last two years and I’ve just had to keep on persevering. I have such a great love of the sport and my blog has kept me going and not allowed me to ever give up.
What advice do you wish you'd been given before you started competing?
Have fun with it!
What are your goals?
Keep training hard, see what I can do next season and go from there.
Who do you take your inspiration from?
Vicky Holland I think is amazing and I aspire to be like her!
The Brownlee brothers have also had a huge influence on me for getting me into the sport in the first place!
What do you like about Sundried and what’s your favourite bit of our kit?
I love the cycling kit, looks so smart and is so comfy!
