Olympic fever has gripped the nation with Team GB scoring high in the medals table. Former Harrow College student Richard Hounslow won a silver medal along with his partner David Florence in the men's double canoe slalom. This week we’ll be cheering on another former student. Triathlete Faye McClelland will be competing in the Paralympic Games in Rio which kick off on Wednesday 7th September.
Before Faye jetted off to Brazil, we caught up with her for a quick chat.
How has your preparation been?
Great! I’ve been training consistently and have a good number of races under my belt. Qualification went to plan so I’ve pretty much done as much as I can.
What are you most looking forward to in Rio (apart from competing)?
Just to be part of the greatest show on earth is really exciting. I’ve been to Rio before so to be there taking part in the Olympics representing Team GB will be amazing.
Where will you be staying whilst in Rio?
We go to a holding camp in Belo Horizonte first (just outside Rio). Two days before we start, we’ll move into our hotel in Rio on Copacabana beach. Finally we’ll move into the athlete village during our competitions where we’ll stay until the end of the games.
What will be your diet whilst in Rio?
My diet will remain the same – clean, sensible food! It’s best not to change the diet too drastically because by this stage, we know what works. On race day it will be more energy foods.
What does a typical race competition day consist of?
We’ll do final checks (race numbers, equipment) and then go to the venue and check the race paperwork approximately 2 or 3 hours before the race. We’ll then warm up (I usually do the exercise bike). At race time, we line up on the start line and names are announced (there will be roughly 30 competitors in my race at Rio). The race will last a little over an hour after which we’ll warm down, shower (we may be called in to give a random anti-doping sample) and then hopefully be involved in the medal ceremony a couple of hours after the race has finished.
How will your free time in Rio be spent?
We won’t get a lot of free time outside of training. I’ll have casual chats with my coach about my training schedules, race plans etc. over a coffee. Otherwise I try to switch off by watching some TV, catch up with team mates over lunch or get some sleep and rest.
What do you miss the most about the UK whilst away?
Friends and family mainly. I also miss living by the sea (I live in Eastbourne).
Who is your sporting idol and why?
My team mates inspire me. I’m also a really big fan of the Brownlee brothers who are triathletes like me (and won Gold and Silver in Rio).
What is your one stand out memory from being a student at Harrow College?
I was based at the Harrow on the Hill campus and have many fond memories. One which comes to mind is sitting on the hill near Harrow school looking over the London skyline and enjoying the amazing views. I do miss those days!
Faye’s Triathlon race takes place at 14:00 (GMT) on Sunday 11th September 2016. You can watch the race live on Channel 4 in the UK.