BLOG: Jess Turner

We caught up with Jessica Turner just before she jetted off to Doha to represent British Athletics at the IAAF World Championships:

How do you handle pressure?

Generally, I will feel the pressure after I’ve warmed up for a race and in the “call room” waiting to be escorted out on the track. At this time, I tend to think about my race strategy and tactics and visualise certain points of the race that I need to focus on. Being positive helps and excluding any doubts or negative thoughts that may cross my mind and not to dwell on it. As soon as I’m on the track I have a routine to follow prior to the start of the race, and by following this routine I am focused and ready to go.

What is your best and worse thing about training?

My best part about training is achieving training goals and seeing improvement. It is also great to be part of a training group who are very supportive and encourage each other to push ourselves harder. The worst thing about training: Some training sessions are particularly tough, and I know that I’m going to go through some pain and discomfort, but there is a sense of achievement when I’ve completed them. I know they are a necessary part of my training regime, but in truth I still dread them.

What motivates you to do what you do?

Sense of achievement and the opportunity to represent my country and the belief that I can go on and perform at the highest level; ultimately to be an Olympian.

What does the DIS mean to you?

It means so much to me. Without the fantastic support network from the DIS, I doubt I would be where I am today in my sport. The DIS focused on my individual needs right from the beginning, with strength & conditioning and physio being hugely important in my development as an athlete.