“In our sport’s federation we don’t have any sponsors so everything is self-funded. After being selected for TASS support, I no longer had to find the funds for the extras I needed to improve my performance. I now have full access to strength and conditioning coach, nutritionist and psychologist - all vital parts of being an athlete in such a high-level sport.
“I was nominated for TASS support in September of last year. Unfortunately this was very close to the start of my season, so I couldn’t fully utilise the services straight away. I also had an athlete break last year where I returned to regimental duties which also affected how much I could access the benefits of TASS.
“However, I am now in the full swing of my summer training period and will have TASS support all through my build up this summer and hopefully through the winter too, if I am accepted on the programme again this year.
“I believe it’s very important to have both my Army career and my athletic career in balance and I feel I’ve done this well. I have completed all military courses to keep me up to date, while at the same time training to qualify for World Cup each year and ultimately the Olympic Games.
“Despite only being a beneficiary of TASS support since last year, it has already had a great impact as I now have access to a lot of services I could simply not afford before. For this, I’m very grateful.”
“I hope the next generation will be able to access TASS support and all its benefits early in their career as I truly believe this can make a difference.”