I knew what I wanted to do in sport from the age of nine.

My life motto is 'Do my best, so that I can't blame myself for anything.'

I haven't let the gold medal out of my sight; it sleeps next to me in bed.

I don't think about the press or the crowds or the other leaders of the race. The focus is only on myself. As soon as I see the targets, I tune them out.

The brunette phase just came about because I was fed up with this 'Blonde Angel Image'. The rebel in me demanded a new color.

Knitting not only relaxes me, it also brings a feeling of being at home.