The Irish athlete is on the crest of a wave right now but is determined to stay focused on her Olympic dream
Congratulations on a phenomenal 2024 so far! What would you say has been the highlight for you?
Competing in my individual races and also as part of the 400m relay along with Rhasidat, Phil and Sharlene was a dream come true. Reaching Olympic level in your sport is the pinnacle and even though this was my second Olympics, it felt really special because of the massive support we had in Paris and at home. I will never forget it.
What was it like to walk into that Olympic stadium in Paris representing your country?
I have never felt so proud, nervous and excited all in one. In the lead up to the Games, you are so focused on training and on your performance. It’s emotional as you have worked so hard to get there but once you walk out it all seems like a bit of a dream as you’re so “in the zone” for the race ahead. I didn’t feel it as much in Tokyo as there weren’t any crowds due to the pandemic. To see so many Irish flags waving and supporting the Irish team and to have our families there was just amazing.
You studied Genetics and Cell Biology at college – do you ever see yourself returning to that in the future?
I have spent the last two years working for Pfizer and putting my degree in Genetics and Cell Biology to good use. I have really enjoyed working in Pfizer and they were good enough to give me leave from work to focus on the Olympics. As much as I loved my work, the time away showed me what life as a full-time athlete looks like and I have decided to focus solely on athletics for the next while. At 27, I am really fortunate to have the opportunity to do this. I am at my peak in terms of track and field so I want to focus on achieving all I can with qualifying for L.A. (Summer Olympics in 2028) as a clear goal. I will no doubt return to my career in science, however the eye is on the prize in athletics first!
What does an average day in the life of an Olympic athlete look like?
It depends on what time of year it is; competition season looks different to winter training but for the most part, my weeks follow a pretty similar schedule. I’ll usually have breakfast around 8:30am and head to the track for 10am. We’ll have a running session which will be either speed-based or aerobic. Then I’ll grab lunch with my training partners and head to the gym for the rest of the afternoon. I usually finish training at 4:30pm. For the evening, I try to focus on recovery so that may be a visit to my sports massage therapist or sitting in compression boots while doing some life admin. I’ll usually have dinner at 8pm and sit around with my housemates for some evening chats. Then it’s time for bed and get ready to do it all again tomorrow!
How important is diet to your training regime?
I grew up on a farm in New Ross, Co Wexford, my dad is actually a Bord Bia quality assured farmer so I have always had an appreciation for locally sourced quality produce. Eggs are an essential part of my nutrition to fuel my performance on the track and to also re-fuel my body after competing. I have worked with a nutritionist so I can make sure I am eating foods that will allow me to perform at my best. I always look for the Bord Bia Quality Mark when buying eggs as I know I can trust they have been produced to their highest quality standards.
What do you like to eat when you don’t have to think about an upcoming event or race?
Believe it or not, it’s eggs again! One of my favourite things to do when I am not competing is to go for brunch with friends and I usually order Turkish eggs which are so tasty.
Do you cook? And if so, what’s your signature dish?
I am a real foodie and I love to cook. I am just back from a holiday with my friends in Barcelona and I am now inspired to try so many of the delicious tapas dishes we tasted. As for my signature dish, I don’t mean to brag, but I make a mean lasagne!
Sophie Becker, Olympic Finalist and Irish Record Holder, has teamed up with Bord Bia to celebrate World Egg Day 2024 on Friday 11 October. Visit bordbia.ie/eggs-crack-on/ for further information and egg recipes created by Sophie.
