GUEST INTERVIEW Making a splash

Double Olympian and six-times World Champion kayaker Anna Hemmings, MBE, is the newest member of the SkillsActive Board.

Journal: From the Olympics to SkillsActive is quite a jump – how did that come about?

AH: “I heard about the vacancy through the work I do as an ambassador for the Dame Kelly Holmes Legacy Trust - a group of elite sports performers who work together to inspire young people to find and fulfil their potential. The aims of SkillsActive, and REPs, match my beliefs and the direction my life has taken since retiring from competion last year, so I was delighted to be asked to join.”

Journal: What made you decide to retire?

AH: “I’d competed in two Olympics, won six world titles, and achieved most of my goals, so was ready to move on to the next challenge. For a long time I’ve been very interested in motivating people to enjoy a healthier lifestyle, so I set up a company (Beyond the Barriers) which is dedicated to improving

the health and performance of individuals and organisations by encouraging better eating, more exercise and strategies for energy management. I also wanted to do more sports reporting and presenting which is great fun, and now I have my work with SkillsActive too.”

Journal: What are you looking forward to achieving with SkillsActive?

AH: “I’m hoping to be able to offer a different perspective to the board both as an athlete and someone who is passionate about exercise. I’d also like to get involved in raising the profile of SkillsActive through interviews, fund-raising and lobbying.”

Journal: Is exercise still a big part of your life?

AH: “Absolutely – I’ve always loved sport and keeping fit. Obviously I’m not training in the same way that I was when I was competing but I still run three times a week, go to the gym and try to play some sport too.

Are you interested in providing safe and effective exercise classes for clients with cancer and becoming a specialist in exercise and cancer rehabilitation?

“I love the way exercise makes me feel. I always say that if the body doesn’t move then the energy can’t flow and I really notice how much more energetic I am and how my concentration levels are better on the days I’ve exercised.

“So I’ve been very interested to learn about REPs and the work it’s doing alongside SkillsActive, particularly in relation to exercise referral. To me exercise is a natural part of my life, and I want to do as much as I can to ensure others feel the same benefits.”

For more on Anna visit www.annahemmings.com www.beyondthebarriers.co.uk

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