Monthly Feature: “A DAY IN THE LIFE OF”
Bex Rimmington:
Former GB Para-cycling Tandem Pilot making transition to Rowing / Swimming Teacher by trade
When did you start rowing seriously?
At the beginning of April 2011
How did you get involved – did someone recognise you were talented in this area?
I went to a talent ID day where the physiologists took a variety of measurements e.g. height, weight, arm span, sitting height, from that they said I would be ideal for rowing.
So let’s have an example of a typical start to the day. Morning training?
Up bright and early at 5.30am ready to be on the water at 6.30am
What about your healthy breakfast? The most important start to your day?
After training normally porridge, yogurt, nuts and berries – yum!
So tell us a few things about what you do in the day. Training? Visits? Responsibilities? Day to Day Duties.
After morning training its normally off to work swimming. In between each block of classes I go to the gym and do some core stability. Then back for evening training either out on the water or on the concept 2 ergo. I also get invited to help out at the local schools giving out sports awards. I alternate each week with a visit to the chiropractor and having a sports massage to keep my muscles in good working order. And naturally in a era where social media is at its peak – updating my website, twitter and facebook!
What do you enjoy most about your career?
Being a swimming teacher there’s nothing more rewarding than seeing someone have the confidence to take their first few strokes by themselves or going on to win gold at a national championships.
Similarly being on the water and starting a new sport, having new challenges and obstacles to overcome is the start of a whole new journey for me.
Tell us about some recent success of yourself and your team mates.
Cycling in 2010 ranked number 1 in world, gold & silver at world cup. 2009 world championship bronze medal para cycling road race.
Rowing being selected for Henley Women’s Regatta after just 10-weeks of learning to row.
You were all set for the Olympics – what happened?
My funding got cut to an amount I was unable to live off. My role as a tandem pilot meant that I had to be available as and when needed and trying to combine that with a full-time job was not going to get the best out of me as an athlete. The funding criteria is based upon winning a medal at a world championships. Despite being ranked number 1 in the world, we didn’t win the medal at the world championships.
So is there a woman in sport that you aspire to?
Kristina Egerszegi from Hungary – as a young aspiring swimmer I remember watching her compete and how she became a role model for the country. Three time Olympian, five times Olympic gold medallist that’s a pretty good cv!
What keeps you going on raining, cold days when it is tough to get into training? What drives you?
Knowing that my competitors could be training. Every session is vital to turning up on the event start line the best prepared you can be.
Do you have anything to say to our ladies to motivate them no matter whatever career they are involved in?
When starting your journey at the bottom of a mountain whatever career you pursue, make sure you enjoy the journey because if you never reach your destination at least you will have stopped and savoured the views and adventures along the way.
It’s Women’s Business always like to peep in other business ladies wardrobes and beauty cupboards? Your favourite clothes shop or designer?
Surf dome
Local Restaurant Favourite or Favourite Food in general?
Love a good café – so Café Italia in Melton Mowbray.
Favourite Film at the end of a busy day?
Can’t beat a good chick flick. Easy viewing, like Mean Girls or Legally Blonde
Favourite Actor
Colin Farrell
Best Day
Anything that involves personal bests, winning or achieving something new
Worst Day
Seeing the price of food and petrol has gone up again!
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