“TASS support funded my strength and conditioning coach, physiotherapist and sports doctor whilst training for the Torino 2006 Winter Olympics, and also helped financially by enabling me to purchase vital equipment prior to Torino.
“The scheme was set up just before the cusp of my first Olympics, so slightly late for me, but the support I received immediately was fantastic and I definitely recognised their drive to make all athletes aware of the importance of pursuing an education outside of sport.
“I believe it’s absolutely crucial to keep your education, training or job running alongside your sporting career and have a backup plan. Plenty of times I’ve witnessed retired athletes struggling and jumping from one career to another trying to find their feet as they have few qualifications or little experience.
“I feel proud of the fact I managed to successfully gain a degree and various other qualifications whilst also being selected for my first Olympics (and hold down a full-time job in a school too!)
“It’s made me much more aware of the important role I have as a TASS alumna and international athlete to mentor and help the current athletes, so they too can benefit as I did with a good career and the chance to become successful outside of sport.”
“I hope that when every athlete finishes sport, they have a foundation to step straight into the career they choose.”