Name: Kim Ashton
Age: 29
Sport: Cycling
Q1) What got you into the sport you are competing in at the Commonwealth Games?
I originally played badminton and ended up getting injured. I took up cycling to help me strengthen up during the period I was injured, which led to me using a road bike. I then finished playing badminton and took up cycling competitively.
Q2) What’s your main motivation for being an athlete?
To achieve the best result I can by pushing my body to the limits to see what it can fully achieve.
Q3) What do you enjoy most about being an athlete?
The lifestyle. I enjoy being healthy and active and train five to six times a week. It’s like a second job.
Q4) What’s the best sporting advice you’ve been given?
My previous badminton coach, Mark Constable, told me that no matter what, always finish an event with your head held high and know that you have done your best.
Q5) What have been your major highlights/achievements in your sport?
Taking home six gold medals from six events at the Island Games.
Winning a round at last year’s Women’s National Series in the Isle of Man.
Q6) Who has been most influential to you in your sport development and why?
Mark Constable – he has a high level of expertise in badminton, with some 18 years plus coaching experience.
My partner Jim – he’s always been very supportive and encouraging.
Q7) How is the Acorn Performance Pathway supporting you in your development?
The Pathway has provided high-level access to facilities and a real focus on training. It’s enabled me to attend helpful seminars and obtain the help I need with admin etc. whilst training and trying to qualify.
Q8) Who is your sporting hero?
I don’t have a particular sporting hero however, the two athletes who I really admire for their dedication and achievements in sport are Paula Radcliffe and Roger Federer.
Q9) What international sporting moment really stands out for you and why? E.g. Britain winning gold in…; Mo Farah; Lewis Hamilton winning F1 title?
This would be when I went to Delhi for the Commonwealth Games. I was in the presence of well-known high caliber athletes such as Tom Daly and just to be in the same room as them was amazing. They’re the people I aspire to, so be alongside them was an incredible experience.
Q10) What’s the most important element of your preparation? (E.g. nutrition, sleep, other…)
A happy home life.