Georgia Hansen is our youngest athlete accepted into CSSM’s Athlete Sponsorship Program. At 20, Georgia is a talented runner and is hoping to qualify for the World University Games in Italy next year.

I am currently training 6 days a week – 2 track sessions, 2 longer runs, 2 grass sessions, and 1 gym session.

I have been running since I was about 7 years old. I was an active member of my local little athletics club, and it was there where I found that I had a passion for running. Although I was competing in all sorts of events – from high jump, to 100m, to triple jump – I was naturally more talented at the longer (relative!) distance races (400m and 800m). Competing for the club in track relays, cross country, and individual track & field, bought out my competitiveness and determination, and it was here where I realised that I wanted to take it further.

I have been reasonably lucky injuries-wise. My most severe injuries would include severs disease, plantar fasciitis, and an inflamed sacroiliac joint!

Mobility exercises and seeing my physio have been key when dealing with injuries. My physio helps to remove any inflammation to the injured area, and mobility exercises help to strengthen parts of my body that are weak.

I’ve received so much advice so far in regards to running, it’s tough to pick a “best”! I would probably have to quote my coach, who always says to me, “it’s up to you as to how much you want to do well”. No one else can do the training for me. No one can complete the race for me. It’s up to me.

Every athlete constantly faces mental barriers. It is how you respond and deal with them that defines you as an athlete, because, if it were easy, everyone would do it. That’s what makes sport so unique, and differentiates elite athletes from the rest. If you want to succeed, you need to realise that it’s not going to be easy. There are going to be mental barriers. It’s inevitable. We face them every training session. Every rep.

I am now focusing on preparing myself for the summer season at the end of the year. I want to put my body in the best possible shape for qualifying for the World University Games next year in Naples, Italy, where I can qualify at the start of next year. Putting in the hard work now will help me to be in the best possible position come trials early next year.