Name: Ollie Turner
Age: 18
Sport: Triathlon
Q1) What got you into the sport you are competing in at the Commonwealth Games?
I was a very enthusiastic cyclist racing for Jersey and my best friend suggested I try the triathlon. I’ve been hooked ever since.
Q2) What’s your main motivation for being an athlete?
When people tell me I can’t do something, I love proving them wrong. I also get a fantastic feeling when I get good results as I know all the sacrifice and dedication is worth it.
Q3) What do you enjoy most about being an athlete?
I love being alternative to the “normal” teenager. I love been dedicated and motivated, but most importantly reaching my personal goals and getting a humble feeling of self-satisfaction.
Q4) What’s the best sporting advice you’ve been given?
My coach has always told me “no pain, no gain” and this is a quote I use on a daily basis when the pain of training is hurting so much, but I know deep down the benefits will be huge.
In addition to this, I’m a true believer in the quote that Gregg Searle told me: “If not now, when? If not you, who?” this is a quote I use to drive my attitude towards my training.
Q5) What have been your major highlights/achievements in your sport?
Major highlights for me being a young and upcoming athlete would be representing Jersey at the Gotland Island Games this year. Also, achieving top 15 positions in national competitions on a number of occasions.
Q6) Who has been most influential to you in your sport development and why?
My coach/mentor Dan and Andy Kemp have been the most influential in my sporting life, as they’ve brought me through the ranks from the age of eight years old. Ten years later they’ve got me to where I am now. I can’t thank them enough for that.
Q7) How is the Acorn Performance Pathway supporting you in your development?
The Pathway has enabled me to have some great opportunities this year, such as sub-funding some of my training camps to the French Alps. They’ve also funded me getting to the UK to take part in qualification races for the Gold Coast 2018.
Q8) Who is your sporting hero?
My sporting hero would have to be Tim Don. A true legend and inspiration to the sport of triathlon.
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?
The most special international sporting moment would have to be when Ali Brownlee helped out his brother Jonny cross the line to secure the world triathlon series title in Cozumel, Mexico after he was suffering from severe overheating.
Q10) What’s the most important element of your preparation? (E.g. nutrition, sleep, other…)
I have a specific pre-race routine that I follow the day before a big race. This includes for example: how I pack my bag, what I have for dinner, the number of fluids I drink and what activities I do that day. This routine is replicated nearly exactly every time I race.