Becky Gribble Athlete Ambassador

Becky is a swimmer who is now progressing through university championships. She talks to Sundried about training and racing.

Have you always been into sport?

Yes, I have always been involved in sports. At a young age I made it my mission to tackle as many sports as I could and kept them up until an age where specialising was important. This lead me primarily to swimming and running. 

What made you decide to enter the world of swimming/cycling?

Swimming has always been my strongest sport and one that I grew up doing in Qatar and Kuwait before moving to boarding school on a swimming scholarship. Since then, I have continued to progress and compete for the University of Bath. My new venture of cycling came about after a close friend encouraged me into the sport and coaches encouraged this as a form of alternative training and racing in my off season. 

What’s been your favourite race to date and why?

Most recently my favourite races have been the BUCS series held at Ponds Forge, purely for the standard of swimming from the UK universities and the level of inclusion too. However, my favourite race abroad was in 2014 at the Dubai International Championships where I had the pleasure of racing against and meeting some of the world's best swimmers. 

And your proudest achievement?

The achievement I’m currently proudest of is coming back from an injury to return to the national stage and final first time back in the pool. 

Have you ever had any racing disasters/your toughest race yet?

My hardest race to date was a national race in 2015 where I unfortunately locked out my back as I did my backstroke start, leading to an asthma attack and subsequently I passed out in the pool. Needless to say this race was a write off after I was pulled out of the pool. 

How do you overcome setbacks?

I use the amazing support system I have around me from family, friends, university and sponsors to find the best solution to get me back on track as soon as possible. 

What advice do you wish you'd been given before you started competing?

In retrospect I wish I hadn’t specialised in the pool at such a young age. As a sprinter in the pool I dedicated training to working on enhancing my sprint rather than longer distance work. However, as I’ve started competing more and more in open water races I regret not being given advice to stick to a variety of distance training. 

What are your goals for 2019 and 2020?

I’m aiming to return to all BUCS rounds once again this coming season, along with knocking time off my personal bests. Alongside furthering my cycling experience both in races and training. All whilst persisting with treatment for long lasting injuries. 

Who do you take your inspiration from?

My main inspiration came from a team mate of mine in Kuwait who achieved incredible things for her country and continues to have a big influence in Kuwaiti swimming. A true friend and very inspiring athlete. 

What do you like about Sundried and what’s your favourite bit of our kit?

I love how Sundried kit looks and feels good whilst being ethical, sustainable and affordable. The kit is of such good quality and there is such a range to choose from that you can’t go wrong with any of it! Currently my favourite bits of kit are the Sundried women’s padded jacket because it is perfect to put on pre and post training or racing to keep me nice and warm. Also the women’s Sundried knit shoes are perfect for my gym sessions and incredibly comfortable whilst stylish (so much so I already have multiple pairs!)