Jessica Wilcox - Athlete Ambassador

Have you always been into sport?

I have indeed! I grew up with horses primarily, but my dad also swam competitively when he was younger, so it wasn’t long before I got dragged into biathlon, pony club tetrathlon, then modern pentathlon and now triathlon! I went to the Portsmouth Grammar School from year 7 onwards and was a member of the 1^st netball, hockey and athletics teams. I really don’t know what I’d do without sport!

How did you first get into triathlon?

I was a GB modern pentathlete for 4 years whilst I was at school. I was fortunate enough to compete in numerous national and world championships both in the UK and abroad, but I soon came to realise that juggling 5 sports, 2 horses, numerous extra-curricular activities, a social life and 4 A-levels just wasn’t possible (duh!) I took a few years away from intense training and competitions and went to focus on my law degree which I studied at The University of the West of England in Bristol. An LPC and a Business Graduate Programme later, and I FINALLY had some more time on my hands. I bagged myself a fabulous job in Private Equity in London (not sure where that came from!), got myself back in to a routine and re-ignited my enthusiasm for tough training and competition.

If you are interested in getting into Triathlon, Sundried's kit is suitable for beginners as well as seasoned athletes. We have both men's and women's options available. 

What has been your favourite race to date and why?

Blenheim Palace last year (2020)! This has always been one of those events that I’ve seen on people’s Instagram stories and have been itching to compete at one day. The location is absolutely stunning and it’s a wonderful event for spectators (even with a global pandemic) The run almost killed me (there’s a big ol’ drag towards the end), but I’ve re entered for this year so it can’t have been that bad! This race also got me a place on the AG Sprint team for the European and World Championships this year, so yeah, it was a good one!

What is your proudest achievement?

That’s a tough one, but probably getting a podium position at my first international in Portugal in Modern Pentathlon. My triathlon career hasn’t been long enough yet to produce some ‘outstanding’ results, but I’m hoping to bring home some shiny medals this year!

Have you ever had any racing disasters?

Fortunately enough, I haven’t had any racing ‘disasters’ (*touches wood*) but I did lacerate my ACL skiing a few years ago which put my life, sporting aspirations and equestrian competitions on hold for FAR too long. I regularly get lost in the swim and forget where I’ve put my bike in transition but that’s all part of the fun right?

How do you overcome setbacks?

Have a plan and have even more patience. I am constantly battling with numerous injuries and niggles: back, shins, knees, ankles, neck (probably even ears at some point), the lot! I often feel that these injuries set me back from my training but with a sensible plan in place that manages these injuries, keeps them at bay but at the same time keeps me race fit, you soon feel that you have everything under control and are heading in the right direction.

What advice do you wish you'd been given when you first started out?

Don’t rush! I’m one of those melons that just wants to be good at everything overnight and do it all really fast without any injuries…doesn’t happen! Anything you start out at is a journey and you want to enjoy every step. Take your time and enjoy the ride, but don’t hang around in transition for too long!

What are your goals?

I would LOVE a top ten finish at the AG Sprint Worlds and Europeans this year, but I’m not putting too much pressure on myself because I’ve never been to this kind of party before so I’m just super excited to see what it’s all about!

Who inspires you?

There are so many inspirational sporting role models out there, but to be perfectly honest, my main inspiration has to be my parents. I wouldn’t’ be able to do the amount of sport I have done / am doing without them. They support me in every way possible and come and cheer me on (lemon drizzle in hand) at all my events. I hope that one day I am able to provide my children with all of the amazing sporting opportunities they have provided me. If I HAD to choose one triathlete though, it would be Lucy Charles – Barclay (She’s basically superwoman let’s be honest!)

Why work with Sundried?

I mean why wouldn’t you? Ethical, affordable and fashionable, what’s not to love?

As well as their sustainable fashion, I’m also an avid believer in their EHOH initiative. With working from home more common than ever, I think this is such an important concept that everyone should adopt (working from home or not). I spend roughly 10 hours a day slouched over my computer tapping away at the keyboard, so every 10 minutes of every hour, I get up and get moving, just as Sundried have suggested!

I hope that in years to come many more companies promote the reduction of waste and help to save the environment from plastic pollution. As the saying goes, ‘plastic will be the main ingredient of all our grandchildren’s recipes,’ so let’s start now and make our planet a safer and greener place for future generations.

To hear more from our ambassadors and get free tips on workout plans and more, connect with the Sundried Personal Trainers on our app.