Sport: CROSS-Country running and Tetrathlon (swimming, shooting, horse riding and cross-country running).

How did you become involved in your sport?

My DAD grew up in the sport and my parents were both very involved in running, therefore, I grew up being very sporty and started running properly at the age of 10.

When we moved here I got my own pony and branched out to tetrathlon as well.

What is it that you love about your sport?

I LOVE having the opportunity to compete in various locations around the UK and meeting new people; we all get along very well, having to spend weekends together!

It can also get very competitive which is always great fun. You and your team become almost like a family.

What are your earliest sporting memories?

My EARLIEST sporting memory would definitely be running ‘santa races’ in Cyprus.

Who was or is your biggest sporting influence?

Natalya Coyle – an Irish Olympic athlete for Modern Pentathlon, which is like pony club tetrathlon, but with fencing added as well. I hope to take this up too in the future.

Who do you look up to in your chosen sport?

I ADMIRE the elite athletes such as Natalya Coyle, but also my parents and peers who help me through the ups and downs of the sport. They have been in similar situations and have excelled greatly, motivating me and supporting me.

Could you give an example of what a typical week looks like for you?

In A normal year – without Covid-19 – I would be swimming with the local swimming club three or four times a week, running with the Enniskillen Running Club three times a week, riding my horse six days a week, and trying to shoot as many times as I can.

I also take part in hockey at school, and do a running session with the athletics after school club.

During this pandemic I have been able to try and maintain my fitness by running and cycling. I have been riding my horse a lot to keep her fitness up for the upcoming season.

What do you think is the key to being successful in sport?

Motivation is a big part of being successful. If you are unmotivated, you are not reaching for the goal as much as someone else, therefore you do not have the mental drive to achieve. As well as motivation, training is obviously important.

What have been your biggest successes, to date?

My BIGGEST successes would be placing fourth in the UK tetrathlon championships in England in both 2018 and 2019, and running for Ireland in cross-country for SIAB in 2019.

What are your goals for the future?

I AIM to continue competing at a national level for both cross-country running and tetrathlon.

What bit of advice would you give to anyone starting out in your sport?

Don’t be scared to fail, riding a horse at great speed around a cross country can be scary, but it is also the best adrenaline rush you’ll experience. Shooting a gun may also be scary but practice makes perfect. Aim high.