I first started triathlon when I was 19 while at university in Birmingham so I was a bit of a latecomer to the sport. The coach there Steve Lumley got me into it and then it all went from there.
My mum was my first sporting hero. She was involved with coaching at British Gymnastics and I idolised her as she travelled around the world and went all these different events. Also Kelly Holmes – she was the first person I looked up and was fortunate enough to be mentored by her and she’s played a crucial role in my career and development over the years.
Watching Kelly winning double gold at Athens 2004 is definitely my favourite Olympic moment. I remember exactly where I was - sat in my caravan in France and we had ordered in cable especially to watch the Olympics.
I remember flicking through the TV channels during Sydney 2000 and seeing this crazy open water swimming in Sydney Harbour and being amazed when the commentators were talking about all the jellyfish in there. Turns out that was the triathlon race and I never thought I would be trying to qualify for that very event 15 years later.
Winning the 2013 world title on home soil in London in front of all my friends and family is the sort of thing that people dream about so I just feel very lucky to have been able to do that and it’s very special to me.
I played all sorts of sport growing up from ballet and tennis to swimming and gymnastics. These days I don’t get the time but I’m big into welsh rugby and am so excited about the World Cup.
I remember being obsessed with Changing Rooms when I was younger and I always thought I was going to be the next interior designer extraordinaire. No one wants to be Lawrence Llewelyn-Bowen but maybe the next Linda Barker.
My best mate in sport is Vicky Holland. It’s so nice being able to train and race together and the fact we’re good friends makes it easier. Von Stolland is what our alter-ego would be called.
I love travelling. We’re lucky that we get to do that quite a bit when racing but it’s different, you see hotels and race courses rather than the places themselves so when I retire I want to travel quite extensively - there are so many places I’d like to visit.
If I ruled the world for a day I’d make everyone play sport. It’s a great way for people to get together and make new friends.