“Our journey began when I was 15 years old, enrolled in the Eton plus+ program. Coming from a comprehensive background, I grew up believing there were fixed ceilings dictating who I could be and what I could achieve.
Under Briggy’s mentorship, I learnt that our biggest limitations are the mental constructs we allow to define us. I met boys from privilege and discovered we had more similarities than differences, and were stronger together than alone.
Years later, age 20 during the pandemic, I had achieved decent success as an athlete, was scraping by as a student and was all too aware that I wasn’t reaching my potential. I reached out to Briggy and told her I needed to chop off a second from my personal best to achieve my Olympic dream.
She accepted this challenge with open arms and an open heart. The 4 year journey that began that day has taken us through soaring heights and devastating lows; themes of resilience, faith, duty, leadership and community interweaving with the pursuit of excellence.
As I write this, I am 2x Olympic medalist, 2x European medalist, 1x World medalist and 1x British champion – 2 seconds faster than when me and Briggy began our partnership and counting. I also have a 1st class degree in Materials Engineering from Loughborough University, and am about to enter my third year of a PhD.
The skills it required to get here are what I treasure above all. Briggy’s mentorship is kind, nurturing and adventurous. She brings colour to bleakness and points the way to expansion.
I fall more in love with the story we’re writing everyday and long may it continue.”