- Sport: Triathlon
- Age: 18
- Ranked: 1st in Scotland, 2nd Junior in Europe, 7th in World
- Club: Glasgow Triathlon Club
- Home: Milton of Campsie
What is your first memory of sport?
Going to swimming lessons when I was about three or four and all we did was sing nursery rhymes in the pool. That was great fun.
And running?
I never really started doing any running races till I was half way through primary school when I did cross country. I can remember them always being really cold, wet and unpleasant.
At what age did you win you first medal and what for?
When I was about eight I won a medal for coming 6th out of 7 in the 4x50m front crawl relay. What I don’t tell most people is that we were 7th but one of the other teams was disqualified!
When did you realise that triathlon would be your life?
I honestly don’t think it was until very recently that I decided that triathlon is the route I want to take. However, that doesn’t mean that I’m giving everything else up. You obviously have to keep your options open.
What is your greatest achievement so far?
Coming 2nd recently in the European Junior Triathlon Champs 2008 was a big high point.
And you second best?
I’m pretty chuffed with my Highers' results last year while still managing to prepare for the Europeans. I got four As and a C.
Tell us about your favourite training. Where and what?
My favourite session would be biking in a hot and dry country where there would be some huge climbs to tackle. Velodrome sessions are also brilliant fun.
Do you prefer to train alone or in company?
Definitely with company. It’s a brilliant way to motivate and challenge yourself.
Do you have a coach?
Yes, John Dargie of Fusion Coaching.
What are your secrets of success?
I think one of the most important things is to have fun doing it and enjoy yourself. There’s no point in committing your life to something but not enjoying it.
Do you have a pre-race ritual?
I am such a control freak before races! I make up a timetable of everything I have to do and when I have to do it. It makes me so much more relaxed feeling organised. At a swim start I also fidget a lot with my goggles and swim cap. I demist my goggles then make sure my hat's on ok, then I’ll demist my goggles and keep going on like that.
How do you fuel for energy?
Eat lots of anything and everything. Obviously I need to eat quite sensibly but I don’t stick to anything specific. I’m quite a big fan of recovery protein drinks though.
Any sports regrets so far?
Not really. Even if I did, I would rather learn from my mistake and use it to improve rather than dwell on it.
Fave Kit?
I love my powertap for my bike. I don’t know how I coped before I had it.
Tell us your top tips for other athletes.
Getting the flashest, most expensive kit isn’t the best way to go about getting quicker. Instead, gets the basic kit and then find a decent club or coach.
If you could choose to be training/racing anywhere in the world where would you be? And why?
Like I said earlier anywhere hot and dry suits me fine.
If you ever stop running what do you plan to do instead?
I would like to have career in biology, especially immunology.
Who would you like to thank?
Obviously my parents have done a fantastic job in helping me out. I couldn’t have done it without them. Also my coach John and all my mates.