This Girl Can - Alison

Published:

For Alison Patrick, triathlon presents a greater challenge than most. Here, the unstoppable performer tells us how being visually impaired doesn't stop her from achieving her goals.

Alison, a PT5 paratriathlete and our most recent This Girl Can ambassador, was recruited into the sport from an athletics background in 2013.

“I used to be an international runner but injury stopped me from progressing further. After a year of not doing much and missing training, a friend suggested triathlon as it would allow me to run but training would be varied.  I joined my local club (West Lothian Triathlon), did a couple of races and fell in love. I got in touch with British Paratriathlon and attended a talent day. The rest is history!”

With limited vision, training for three disciplines is no mean feat.

“Swim training is largely independent. If there’s no coach on poolside I rely on a beeper or large print clock on my iPad to give me feedback on pace.

"In open water I’m tethered to guide. I rely on them to sight and plan routes and the tension on the tether helps me keep on track.”

Alison is guided by one of the three paratriathlon guides on the UK Sport Lottery funded World-Class Performance Program, most recently Grace France who accompanied Alison to Rio Test Event gold last month.

“Bike is done on tandem with Grace or Hazel (Smith) as I'd struggle to judge what I was doing at pace. This relies on a guide coming out with me to train, so at times I end up doing quite bit of turbo training instead. 

“I’m able to run on my own but as soon as pace increases this becomes a struggle, so I need someone to run with me. My eye condition is worse in the sun which makes all three even harder and meaning I rely on communication from my guide even more.”

The 28-year-old may be paving her way to the first Paralympic Games next year, but Alison is keen to encourage more females to take up the sport at grassroots level.

“Sport is a great way to keep fit, make friends and gives a sense of achievement at any level. I’d really encourage any female to get involved and see where it could take them.

“My advice would be to get in touch with a local club. Don't worry about not being fast enough at something as triathlon really is for all levels and there will always be people to support you and make it fun.

“Who knows where it will lead.”

 

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