2nd October @ 14:42

What does it mean to race? Is it having the courage to do something out there? To stand out from the crowd?

What is required to be a racer? Mind power, strength willingness.

Now let’s think how it feels to be a female racing in the world’s view of an only male sport. You often hear the words “that’s a males sports” or “I didn’t know females could do that”. For women this is a knock down, but having the will power and mind over matter attitude, anything is possible.

I once was told I would never go far in my chosen sport. In 2018 I became British Champion in my class. Never listen to negativity, strive for what you believe you can achieve. You can be successful in anything you set your mind to.

A typical jet ski season starts March- September, but there’s a lot that happens over the winter months, leading up to the season. A training session for me consists of three days in the gym and two days on the water.

Gym based training consists of three sessions. Session one and two being upper body and three being lower body, when racing all the muscles within your body are being used. Leading up to the weekend before a race I lean towards the lighter workout to avoid any injuries which could put me out of racing.

Water based training consists of finding my riding style which best suits the course layout. Practicing the starts to ensure I am able to get out of the gates first. The benefit behind this is to ensure that any race I part take in, I am able to adapt my riding to suit the course.

The morning of a race I tend to do some stretches to avoid muscle cramping and also to release any lactic acid build up I have. I then go on a walk to meet my team and discuss plans for the weekend. This consists of positions, holding the team and helping out.

During the race season I don’t stick to a strict meal plan, but I do make sure that I have enough fluids inside me and enough carbohydrates to keep me going. After racing I will eat protein and something with sugar to boost my sugar levels.

So back to the question, what makes a racer? It is not just what you see on the physical side, but the mental and emotional side all play a part. The three main points a racer needs to overcome during a race are: physical, mental and an emotional mind-set. By doing this anything is possible.

Racing isn’t about how long it takes you to get from the start to the finish. It’s the adventure you have along the way, the people you meet and the unique moments you share – That’s what makes a racer.

What makes a sport one gender specific? There is not just one influence which tells you it’s a male or female sport. Everything is taught to us by society and how people think sports should be played. We have lived our whole lives being told “That’s a girls sport” or “only males can play that sport”. You have a choice in what sport you take part in. You have a voice to say No! Sport should be promoted as an all-round gender sport. Follow your dreams, Work hard and success with follow.