How did you get into the sport?

I was brought up within a very pro-active enviroment in which both my sister and I were encouraged to try a wide variety of sports. Both my parents participated in many different sports from golf to windsurfing to triathlon and my Mum competed in several Ironman events. In my first year of senior school I was entered into the sussex schools cross country where I was just pipped to the line to take second.I hadnt done much running beforehand but I was frustrated I'd been beaten so when I was approached by a local running club (Phoneix) to train with them I jumped at the opportunity. I already swam with a local club and started to go along to training sessions with my Mum. When there was a kids triathlon held alongside an event she had entered I decided to give it a go. I came first and went on to compete in the tri-star series.

What is your training schedule like?

A typical day will involve a 5.20am start for a 2hour swim session at 6am, followed by a bike and/or run, then strength and conditoning and stretching to finish. I currently train 6 days a week in which I generally clock up 20-25hours of training.

Why did you make the move away from home to live in Eastbourne at the end of 2008?

My coach and club are based in Eastbourne so through moving I could do all my training within a squad enviroment under the guidance of Glenn, and live alongside like-minded athletes. The decision to move tied in with my choice to defer university to focus 100% on the sport.

Ultimate ambitions?

To be World and Olympic Champion (and to go on A Question of Sport and Strictly Come Dancing !)

Do you have a favourite training session?

I love the hard track sets we do in the summer e.g 12 x 400m with 60s recovery, but in the winter my favourite has to be our interval run session in Friston Forest on a Sunday morning. I don't mind a set of 30-40 x 100m in the pool (when I'm swimming well!) and I'm always up for doing hill reps on the bike!

What songs do you listen to before a race?

I usually create a race playlist full of up-beat tunes…some Eminem, Faithless, Fedde Le Grand, Kanye West that kinda thing and then some randoms to lighten the mood such as the classic Superstition by Stevie Wonder! I'm always changing and updating it though.

What do you do to relax?

When I get a free afternoon (which is rare!) I love to paint. I also enjoy cooking, shopping and the odd trip to the theatre, however, usually it just involves crashing Olly and James' sofa and watching DVDs! (and did I mention facebook?!)

Who is your inspiration?

For me who and what goes hand in hand. I'm motivated and inspired by the athletes I train alongside, by my Coach Glenn Cook and by the people I compete against. When I don't feel up for training I just try to bring out my competitive nature by saying to myself 'so and so would do it' and it usually works!
One of my major influences and supporters has and always will be my mum.

Which five current sports people would you choose to invite to dinner?

Lance Armstrong, Chris Hoy, Chrissie Wellington, Paula Radcliffe, Victoria Pendleton.

Do you enjoy shopping and where do you go?

YES! Topshop is always a must and I have a weakness for Abercrombie trackies…

What other sport would you choose to do other than triathlon?

If I wasn't in Triathlon I'd probably be a middle-distance runner. I also loved hockey, horse-ridding, tennis and rock climbing when I was younger so maybe one of those… However, before I started taking sport seriously I wanted to be either a stunt woman or a singer!

What was the last album you bought/downloaded?

Jason Miraz, Kanye West, Kings of Leon and Mystery Jets.

What meal do you request after racing?

Anything cooked by my mum! Nothing beats a good Sunday Roast and Rice Pudding after a hard training day but after racing I need Flan and lots of cake and ice cream.. Hagen Das cookies and cream. YUM!

And finally your favourite...

Drink? Skinny latte extra shot
Outfit ? Gold high heels and my mini black dress that I wore for my 18th birthday...otherwise my slippers and PJ's!
Film? Films more like! Blood Diamond , Lord of the Rings Trilogy , Matrix Trilogy , Top Gun to name a few!
Restaurant? Food for Friends and Yo Sushi