Different Perspective Sports Magazine Issue 2 - IRONMAN Wales | Page 13

I like to be able to give something back to the sponsors as I feel I have been so lucky over
the past two years as they have been so generous. Where it does impact is at work as it
does take time especially after a race which is when I want to work.
Are you still on track to complete your PHD this year and what made you decide to
specialize in cancer of the kidney?
Yes – I will hand it in before Christmas. I worked for 2 ½ years as an Oncologist in
Nottingham and I was thinking of staying in Nottingham or going to Cambridge so did some
research and spoke with my now clinical supervisor in Cambridge and he inspired me to
go there. The lab where I ended up working was slightly challenging shall we say, so it was
not all I thought it would be but in the long run it has turned out to be quite a good PHD.
We have got some stuff that is worthwhile so there is light at the end of the tunnel, although
it does not always seem that way. A lot of the time it seems to take so long to do and the
goal so far away you wonder why on earth you are doing it. But now it is almost done it was
worthwhile but maybe not 5 years of my life.
There are actually a lot of similarities with triathlon. Goals so far away, not knowing why you
are doing it so I have learnt a lot of people skills and being able to collaborate with different
groups which has been very valuable.
Although you are doing research at the moment do you miss the clinical interaction
with your patients?
I do but to be honest if I wasn’t doing my PHD I would not have the time I do for triathlon so
it is blessing in disguise and I think it will make me better in the long term. I also miss the
feeling of doing something useful as my research is solitary and I like talking and being with
my patients. Being an athlete is a very selfish thing but I have done a few talks in schools
and I hope to do a few more of those.
You have said that you will be a full time pro for 2 years – is that realistic or will you
be tempted to continue longer?
I would like to do 2 Konas which I think is enough as it is not my job. I am a Dr and hand on
heart I miss it but I want to do this now as I am not getting any younger and cancer is not
going anywhere unfortunately where as I will get too old to compete in Triathlon.
You have competed in 2 Kona’s as an age grouper – is it enough to have done 4 than
to have the experience to win it?
Yes – what happens realistically if in my last Kona I have a mechanical and don’t finish or
equally go and finish 5th am I going to be happy with that? You don’t know but I think 2
Kona’s will be enough.
As an outsider and not knowing you I think that with your science background you
might look at the biomechanical elements of racing in more depth to give you the
edge.
My swimming has a long way to go but it is improving although a long way off from where