Outer Edge Edition 48 | Page 9

“I guess achieving the standards of second best in the world at the age of 16 is enough to encourage you to stay in the sport “she said. As a testament to her success, Brianna relies not only on her strong will and determination to continually better her times and physical prowess, but her support network. “If you don’t have a support network it’s very hard to perform successfully. People don’t realise that the mental aspects of sport override the physical. Well, in my opinion. If I’m not happy I don’t train well and if you don’t train well then you certainly don’t perform well. I have my parents to thank big time for what I’ve achieved I couldn’t have done it without them. “My coach and training partners are nothing but a close nit family that have positively supported me through thick and thin. My partner Jayden comes to all my competitions and puts up with all my needs that come with the sport.” Starting out in any industry and trying to make a name for your self is no easy game. When I picture a well renowned athlete, I picture Nike or Reebok sponsorships, their running attire slashed with names like PowerAde, Swiss, or Telstra, but what we don’t realise is that athletics is a self- funded sport. As well as conditioning oneself to a gruelling training schedule, one must fund all their own expenditure- from shoes, coaches, uniforms, travel and accommodation, entry fees, etc. “Up until last year (2015), I never received any financial support besides what my parent could help me with”. Brianna is now a proudly sponsored by, and an ambassador for USANA, vitamin supplements. “USANA have been a massive support for me. They provide vitamin supplements that help fuel my body so I can train at an optimal level. I feel safe and have trust in their supplements.” Understanding the importance of what best fuels her body and the importance of a healthy diet ranks high on Brianna’s menu, “If you’re not fuelling your body with the right foods and supplements then you’re not going to train at an optimal level.”