Paige Horsnell Athlete Ambassador
Paige is a gifted athlete and won the first elite competition she entered. She talks to Sundried about training and racing.
Have you always been into sport?
Yes, growing up I was into everything, but swimming was always my main sport and the one I spent most of my time doing. The Welsh and British nationals were my biggest achievement as a swimmer.
What made you decide to enter the world of triathlon?
I reached the age of 21 and decided I had come to the end of my swimming career. Not wanting to give up sport altogether, I decided to enter Long Course Weekend Tenby just doing the swim and the run. Finishing 9th overall in the swim I realised I was going to be good at this and I loved it and 2 months later I entered my first triathlon winning my age group!
What’s been your favourite race to date and why?
Eton Dorney ETU qualifier, it is the best location for racing and spectating. It’s a flat fast course and draft legal making it so much fun. This was the race I first qualified in to be part of the GB age group team so will always be my favourite.
And your proudest achievement?
Swansea Triathlon 2019! I entered the elite category just to see how I would do racing against the best athletes and I ended up winning the race! Still gobsmacked to this day.
Have you ever had any racing disasters/your toughest race yet?
Cardiff Sprint Triathlon ITU qualifier 2019. There were problems at the start of the race which meant last minute things had to get changed around. By the time it came to being on the bike part of the race there were over 2000 people racing on a small loop. Inexperienced people with experienced people.
The rule is always keep left so other can pass on the right, but the inexperienced didn’t know that. As I was shouting to say I’m coming through on the right someone pulled out in front of me and I crashed straight into the back of them doing 32mph. My leg was bleeding and my ankle swollen, but I was in so much shock I got up and carried on to finish the race and still managing to qualify for the world championships.
How do you overcome setbacks?
You can only do what you can do. Everything is there to challenge us, all I can do is think about what’s next to come, remain positive and focus on the next part of the journey. Setbacks make us stronger.
What advice do you wish you'd been given before you started competing?
Start younger! I definitely wish I’d started triathlon racing at a younger age.
What are your goals?
Do well at the world and European championships and hope for some more podium success.
Who do you take your inspiration from?
My dad, he’s always done extremely well at every sport he’s done and I want to be just as successful as him. But the support my mother and sister continuously
give us both is enough to inspire me alone.
What do you like about Sundried and what’s your favourite bit of our kit?
The quality of the kit and it’s nice to look at too which always makes kit even better! The cycling outfits are my favourite. Comfort, stylish and good value for money. What more could any athlete want?
