Becoming an Athlete at Life
My Story: From Active Childhood to Coaching for Life
To be completely honest, I was never the best at any one sport. But what I did have were incredible sisters and mum to look up to. They taught me discipline, hard work, and brought out my competitive streak. Our childhood was full of movement I can hardly remember sitting still for long, and definitely not glued to the TV. We were lucky to always be up, out, and active.
As I grew older, sport and fitness became more than just hobbies they shaped who I was. I loved P.E. at school and threw myself into every after-school activity I could find. That passion carried me into college, where I studied Sports Science and grabbed every opportunity to get involved in coaching and practical learning. The idea of building a lifestyle around fitness of living and breathing movement every single day fascinated me, and I knew I wanted in.
Through my late teens and twenties, I traveled and worked abroad, determined to be part of communities where fitness, music, and people came together. Whether it was gyms, nightlife, or sporting events, I thrived on the energy, the sense of belonging, and the constant push to grow.
From Trial and Error to Balance
Of course, with this lifestyle came the pressure of maintaining an image. I experimented endlessly with diets and training styles overeating, undereating, overtraining, undertraining. I drove my family a little mad with my constant “latest experiment,” but through all the trial and error, I learned. Eventually, I found balance.
That’s what being an athlete at life really is: showing up every day, testing, failing, learning, and trying again until you find what works. Health and fitness aren’t about perfection they’re about progress. And sometimes that progress comes faster when you ask for help. It’s not weakness; it’s a shortcut to sustainability. That’s something I now make a point to remind every client I work with.
The Game-Changer: CrossFit
In my twenties, I found CrossFit and it completely changed my life. Not only did it push me to become the strongest, fittest version of myself, but it also gave me a global community. Everywhere I went, I was welcomed into a new box, with people who shared the same passion. Coaching within that environment was exciting, challenging, and inspiring all at once.
Dubai: Building a Community Abroad
One of my biggest career highlights was spending 2.5 years in Dubai, working at a thriving CrossFit gym. Our community was made up of expats some brand new to the city, others who had been there for a decade or more all chasing their version of the dream. Together, we built something special.
We weren’t just running classes; we were creating experiences. We took members overseas to compete, introduced children to fitness, and ran transformation sessions for those who weren’t interested in CrossFit but still wanted to change their lives. It became a true home away from home.
Alongside the gym, I jumped into every opportunity I could find. I supported friends’ businesses in the desert, helped bring training into local communities, and competed in fitness competitions to keep myself sharp and my clients inspired. I was eager to learn, eager to contribute, and eager to grow alongside the people I coached.
Before Dubai: Inspiring Change at Home
Before moving abroad, I had the chance to introduce Soreen Malt Loaf and their staff to CrossFit and functional fitness. I was sponsored by them “powered by the good stuff” and loved seeing their team inspired to train, grow, and embrace a healthier lifestyle.
Back then, I also gained sponsorships from gym equipment and clothing companies, well before it was the trendy thing to do. It showed me the impact fitness could have not just on individuals, but on whole workplaces and communities.
Gymshark: Athlete at Life Meets Corporate
More recently, I was headhunted to help open and manage Gymshark’s Lifting Club. It was a role that blended everything I love: coaching, community, and creating an environment where anyone from seasoned athletes to complete beginners could feel part of something bigger.
What made me right for the role wasn’t just my coaching background, but my mindset. I brought my athlete at lifementality into a corporate environment, combining discipline, passion, and an entrepreneurial drive to keep learning. It’s been a journey, but it taught me how to translate my love for health and fitness into a structure that supports all kinds of lifestyles whether you’re a working professional, a parent juggling family life, or someone constantly on the go with travel.
Why I’m Here Now
I’m sharing all this because we may not have met yet. I want you to know I’m a real person, with a passion for fitness that has never died and never will. Coaching, competing, learning, and sharing this journey with others has shaped every chapter of my life so far.
As I edge toward my 40s (eek!), I know my next step is building an online presence to reach even more people. I want to keep growing, keep inspiring, and keep showing what’s possible when you commit to being an athlete at life.
Thank you so much for reading I’m excited for what comes next, and even more excited to be part of your journey too.
Remember: sport may end as we grow older, but being an athlete at life never does.