Modern Athlete Magazine Issue 50, September 2013 | Page 9

endurance on cross-country routes as well as 200m, 600m and 800m track sessions to up her speed. “On weekends my dad and I go out for a more relaxed cycle session, but I do have some breaks to recover, because I think that’s very important!” She does have most Sundays off for family time and her coach makes sure she has down-time with friends. “I do the normal stuff I should do, like homework, friends and catching up on TV. You can’t burn out.” Before leaving for Istanbul, Robyn-Leigh was focusing more on her cycling, which is the one discipline she feels she can still improve. Over the past seasons she has also learnt to plan her carbs and protein intake before a competition and to hydrate properly during race day. “I remain very positive and have always had amazing support from my parents, two sisters, coaches as well as my school, St. Dunstan’s College. My parents are there at the ?nish line and that’s always a massive relief for me. At home, there are medals and newspaper clippings of me from competitions, and I keep telling my mom ‘No more! My room is full!’” she jokes. For this young athlete, discipline and passion are the two factors that any promising talent needs, but she rates fun just as highly, and has made a point of making new friends on the international circuit, many of whom have become regular opponents in

subsequent meets. “What’s the point if you don’t love what you do? You have to have fun, too! You have to stay positive and motivated, no matter what, and the results will come.”

What They Say About

Zinto Sports (sponsor): “She’s

Robyn-Leigh

an up-and-coming star in the sport and she’s readying herself for future Olympic competition. It’s a pleasure to sponsor her entries, trips and equipment, and hopefully more of her results will catch the attention of more sponsors!” obviously a very expensive one to get into, so we do everything we can for RobynLeigh. You need a backing in this sport to grow and develop, besides the hard work and belief.”

Darryl Jones (father): “The sport is

Cass Jones (mother): “We support every decision Robyn-Leigh makes and we’re very proud of her achievements. We believe in her and in turn she believes in herself and her ability. We push her to do her best in life.”

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