Today GB junior, SIAB, English Schools, Inter-counties, and 2024 National, cross country champion Olivia Forrest from Brentwood Beagles joins the podcast.
Still only an U17, Olivia has already had huge amounts ofsuccess within the sport, both domestically, and internationally. However, like an athlete her journey is not without challenge, which she is currently encountering and talks openly about in this episode.
Olivia’s journey so far shows the power of a good mindset, supportive training environment, and all- in approach. It also highlights the very real challenges that female athletes encounter, especially around the U17 years where many of female athletes experience the plateau and dip as their bodies change as a result of puberty.
Olivia is definitely part of the younger generation of juniortalent, who maybe as a result of new research and the generations above talking more openly about their health and journeys, seem to have their heads screwed on a good way around. Olivia demonstrates that being well- informed about her health, training, and playing the long-game can have positive impacts on navigating setbacks and hopefully working to prevent burn-out and drop out rates.
Olivia has a more unique set up being coached by her dad and having a very team-centred approach. She also shares some of her big goals and ambitions, how she works on her weaknesses, and what the opportunities brought to her so far by running mean to her.
A lovely episode which provides a fresh young perspectiveand is a definite must listen for any junior athletes, or those involved with them.