The phrase bouncebackability has been overused in a sporting context, so much so that it has been recognised by the Oxford English Dictionary, but it sums up one Melton-based sportswoman perfectly.

28-year-old Bex Rimmington was at the top of her game as a cyclist, representing Great Britain and training in Manchester, until she was hit by two pieces of misfortunate. Firstly her team’s funding was cut before injury struck as she tried to rebuild her career.

Rather than let adversity crush her dreams of sporting success, Rimmington decided to rise to the challenge and refocused her efforts into a new sport. Swapping handlebars for oars, the former swimmer and triathlete took up rowing and is now set to take part in GB trials.

As a youngster, it wasn’t long before sport took over Bex’s life, as inspiration came from her own success and that of her idols.

“I was diagnosed with asthma when I was three so I swam to build up my lungs. I threw myself into every sport; cross country, dancing, trampolining and at the age of 10, my swimming took off. I started getting invited to more competitions and started winning. I liked winning and it became a bit addictive.

“My biggest inspiration was seeing the Great Britain 4×400 metre relay team win at the 1992 Olympics and, at school, we used to run around the playground pretending to be them. Then there’s the Hungarian swimmer, Krisztina Egerszegi. She was world champion, Olympic champion and just phenomenal.”

Bex left school for a full-time job, before going to university at Bath and taking up another sporting challenge.

“They had a big triathlon club. I got talent spotted for cycling, so I had a go at that. I was always a great swimmer and cyclist but I could never quite cut it on the run. But my cycling took off so I focused on that.”

Bex rode for the prestigious VC St.Raphael club, raced for Great Britain and joined the Paracyling Academy in Manchester, but with a spot at London 2012 seemingly in the bag, one bad result and an unfortunate accident turned her world upside down.

“We were ranked number one in the world and won a World Cup but ultimately, we didn’t medal at the World Championships and that’s

what UK Sport base their funding criteria on. It meant I couldn’t live up in Manchester. We were aiming for London 2012 and it absolutely broke my heart. Everything had gone really well apart from the one race.

“I signed with a pro team to race in Europe but, on a club run, this guy fell off his bike into me and I ended up breaking my wrist. I had to go in a cast which meant I lost my contract.”

Despite seeing cycling as her destiny, a UK Sport talent test revealed that Bex had the perfect build for rowing, so she gave the sport a go.

“It was hard at the beginning but a lot of cycling is involved. I can combine the two because it’s all leg strength. A lot of top rowers cycle. I’m still riding every day, it’s a big part of my life and I don’t think I’ll ever be able to give up. Once you start, you can’t stop cycling.

“I was selected for the Nottingham High Performance rowing squad based on how much I’ve progressed this year. I’m training in Nottingham with a couple of GB girls. We’re doing a lot of work in singles because we’re aiming for GB trials but I’ve also raced in doubles, fours and eights.”

Rebecca Romero, who started cycling at the same time as Bex, famously claimed Olympic gold after making the opposite transition from rowing to cycling, which provides a good omen for Rimmington, but does she get the same buzz from rowing?

“Bizarrely yes. You can push yourself so hard and it’s so technical. For every stroke, you have to get a feel for the water and then the power.” A swimming teacher by trade, Bex just about manages to fit in some relaxation time between work and training.

“Bikram yoga is my biggest relaxation. An hour and a half of that a day is great. It clears your mind and you’re ready to go again.”

Bex is keeping calm about the future but the fire of ambition still burns brightly.

“I’ve got GB trials in December and then hopefully another round in February. If all goes to plan I could be on a European circuit next year. That’s my motivation at the moment. London is very ambitious and I have to be realistic, so, I’m probably looking at Rio in 2016.”

So what advice would Bex give to other sports people who face adversity?

“There are lots of opportunities out there. Don’t sit and dwell on the negatives. It’s going to be hard work but things are always harder at the beginning. Just stick at it and something good will come.”

Someone never likely to dwell on the negatives, rather turn them into positives, Bex Rimmington will richly deserve any success that comes her way.

For more information on Bex or to help her with sponsorship visit her official website: www.bexrimmington.com