International Womens Day
Happy International Womens Day!
At 2XU we're celebrating all of the empowering women in sport who inspire us to become a fitter, healthier nation every day.
We caught up with some of our newest recruits to find out more about their inspiration and motivation and how they empower other women.
Kathy Stringer
What does taking part in international events mean to you?
Competing for my country amongst an international field is what dreams are made of. The amount of adrenaline and emotion involved on race day is something else when you're wearing the union jack on your kit - I honestly don’t know how Olympians cope!
How hard have you worked to get to where you are?
I’d love to say it’s been an easy ride to get to the international events but in reality it has been a lot of hard work and sacrifice. At that level, it’s no longer just about the physical side - it’s everything that could have an impact on your performance…The psychology, recovery, kit, nutrition etc. However, when training gets tough, it’s those events, and putting on that GB kit, that you think about to get you through.
What is your ‘quote of the day’ to motivate other strong women to be their best?
Your body achieves what your mind believes.’
Katherine Amps
What does taking part in international events mean to you?
For me, taking part in International events is what motivates me throughout my training. Triathlon can be a lonely sport at times with long periods of no competition. Having a goal in mind and competing against a group of elite, like-minded athletes from all over the world is a great way to stay motivated and continue to push myself throughout the year. Competing for Great Britain in their AG team is something I feel a huge amount of pride for.
How hard have you worked to get to where you are?
Pulling on the suit and knowing that all my hard work HAS paid off makes the 1000’s of hours worth it. I also remind myself of why I am doing it- the reason being pure enjoyment. Putting on my trainers, getting on my bike, or even a trip to the pool is my time for me, to switch off and focus on the session in hand as well as the long term goal. Being diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis in 2019, I remind myself how lucky I am to be able to do this sport and am extremely grateful to my body for providing me with this engine allowing me to fulfil my goals. I look back to 2019 and feel proud with how far I have come. I’m still near the beginning of my triathlon journey and I can’t wait to see what the future holds and push my limits even further.
What is your ‘quote of the day’ to motivate other strong women to be their best?
One quote that I go by is that “You shouldn’t be afraid to lose, as this is sport. One day you win, and one day you lose. This is normal and this is part of the excitement, and this is why I love it”. Don’t beat yourself up on the bad days, celebrate the good days and everything will fall into place.
Kate Johnson
What does taking part in International events meant to you?
I am passionate about inclusivity, diversity and equality. International events comprise of all three of these and although there is still a lot of work to be done to ensure consistency at every single event, being able to play just a small part in this is an incredible opportunity which brings me an overwhelming sense of excitement for the future of this sport.
How hard have you worked to get there?
Training approximately 15 hours per week obviously takes a lot of physical commitment. However, training, racing, socialising, working as a full time Solicitor, eating, sleeping, resting and living takes a massive amount of mental commitment and it is my mental strength that has always worked the hardest. Studying whilst others were partying so that I could train the next day, waking up ridiculously early so I could spend time with family, crying over injuries, fighting the voice in my head saying "give up" or "you're not good enough" and overcoming many other physical and mental battles makes crossing a finishing line, with a smile on my face surrounded by likeminded people, completely worth it.
What is your quote of the date to motivate other strong women to be their best?
When trying to push through training: "Nothing worth having comes easy"
When buying new kit: "The best things in life are free, the second best tend to be very expensive and usually triathlon related"
#BreakTheBias
Follow Kathy, Katherine and Kate's inspiring fitness journeys via their Instagram channels.