Interview | STYLE


The athlete Kim Murray


Fearless skeleton racer and gold medal winner, Kim Murray, let nothing stand in the way of her sporting dream - even when her careers advisor hadn't considered it a real job.


A


t just 13 years old, she discovered a passion for sports science, a job which would lead her to help other athletes be the best


they can be. At 26, Kim made the jump into professional skeleton and just recently won gold at the Europa Cup in Winterberg, Germany. "That was a big achievement," said Kim, "I beat four Germans on their home track - something which doesn’t happen very often."


Inspired by watching sporting hero, Jessica Ennis-Hill, win gold at 2012's London Olympics, Kim applied to become part of the British Skeleton team. She had been working as an exercise physiologist for the Sportscotland Institute, as well as competing in Long Jump.


"I found out I was selected onto the talent squad just before Christmas 2014 and have been part of the team ever since," said Kim. "I am now a more senior member of the team and am competing on the top tier of international racing; the World Cup. The job has required me to relocate and change my lifestyle completely, including spending winters abroad."


Alongside her sporting career, Kim has started her own personal training and coaching business, KimFit, and writes a regular column here in Style of Wight Magazine.


During the winter season, Kim's typical week consists of four or five sliding sessions, which culminate in a race at the end of the week, in various


“Trust your path and know that failure isn’t a bad thing but an opportunity to improve.”


worldwide locations. She travels between areas such as Winterberg in Germany and Sigulda in Latvia.


On top of sliding, Kim will sprint or go to the gym two to three times a week to maintain strength and speed for the push element of skeleton. Every training day involves recovery work, physio, video review, sled work and runner preparation - and days are usually long.


Once the week is over, Kim's team will pack up and move on to the next destination on the tour. "Most weeks we’re able to get a recovery day in too, when we get the chance to explore the area a little," says Kim.


"I plan on being a professional athlete until the next Winter Olympics in 2022. My goal is to qualify and medal at these Olympics. After 2022, if I am ready to retire from skeleton, I’d like to return to working in high performance sport science support for athletes. I’d love to go to a second Olympics as a member of the support team."


Kim believes anyone who wants to get into professional sport should work hard and be patient, but to remember to gain skills or qualifications for a career following professional athletics. "Don’t neglect your education or training because athletes have a short life span and you’ll need some qualifications/skills once you retire.


Make the most of any opportunities you get and learn from them. But most of all, believe in yourself. Trust your path and know that failure isn’t a bad thing but an opportunity to improve."


Kim also has a BSc in Sport Science and Exercise and a MSc in Exercise Physiology.


To relax, Kim likes to light a candle, do some yoga and watch something light on TV (currently RuPaul’s Drag Race!). "It can sometimes be a struggle to switch off and I often feel guilty for relaxing," says Kim. "But allowing myself to wind down really helps me to sleep and that’s an important part of being an athlete as it does wonders for your recovery. If I am anxious, I’ll also do some meditation as this settles me and is useful in my sport as you need a calm head to keep up with the speed and handle the nerves.


"When I’m home, I like to spend time with family and friends as it’s good to get out of the skeleton bubble from time to time. Living on the Island, I find a walk along the beach (in whatever weather) really helps to relax and de-stress. When I meet up with my friends we often go for a walk somewhere we can see the sea. I grew up playing on Appley Beach, so I love to walk along the seafront there."


January and February 2019


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