Welcome back to Strong Women’s new series, Going for Gold, where we’ll be looking behind the scenes with incredible female Olympians and Paralympians in the run-up to Paris 2024. From what their training regimes look like to how they support their hormonal health, consider this your insider guide to what it takes to be one of the best in the world.

This week, we’re chatting to Livvy Breen, two-time World Para Athletics Champion, two-time Paralympic bronze medalist and two-time gold medalist at the Commonwealth Games. She competes in 100m sprint and long jump in the T38 category (the classification for people with cerebral palsy).

Hiya Livvy! Can you tell us a bit about how you first got into athletics?

I didn’t learn to walk until I was three, but I won the first race I ever ran. My dad’s a sprinter, so clearly there’s something in my genes. He’d always take me down to the track when I was younger so I could practice for sports day – and he’d be shouting ‘Go on Liv!’ We’re both really competitive. I tried all sorts of different sports when I was younger, like trampolining and tap dancing, but running was always my favourite. At 13, I joined an athletics team and really got into it.

I didn’t see myself as disabled because I’ve never been treated any differently, but at 15, my mum suggested I look into disability sport and I thought ‘Yeah, why not.’ I went to an England talent day in December and couldn’t believe how amazing it was seeing all these people with different disabilities, including cerebral palsy. In January 2012, I got classified, and by April, I was top of my category in the UK. In September, I went to my first Paralympics!

That’s a ridiculously fast journey to the top.

Yeah, it all happened really quickly. I started out as a sprinter but got into long jump from the Commonwealth Games. In 2014, there was only the long jump for the T38 category, so I thought ‘You know what, why not give it a go?’ And I came fourth. I was 2cm from a bronze medal, but I was talking too much. I love jumping, but there’s no feeling like sprinting 100m. 

Most of us can’t comprehend training for one sport at a world-class level – let alone two. What does an average week of training look like right now?

Mobility is really important, especially if you’ve got cerebral palsy as you get stiff – so I’ve got to be careful to stretch loads. I probably spend half my time training, half my time doing mobility – but I’m not very good at sitting still. I like to keep busy, going on walks. I get bored sitting around watching TV… I always want to be productive.

What’s been the mentally toughest part of your career to date and how did you get over it?

Rio 2016 was really tough for me. I went into the games in a really good headspace and then came 7th in the 100m, 12th in the long jump, and I thought ‘Well, I’ve still got the relay – there’s hope.’ I’d been in the team since 2012, I was an experienced athlete… and then got told that I wasn’t in the team any more. That was tough. I wasn’t in a great headspace, mentally; at 19, that was hard to take. My parents wanted me to walk away from the sport but I decided to change coaches, switching to one who worked more on long jump. I moved to Loughborough and became world champion the following year. You should never give up.

In athletics, the journey is so small but you’ve got to be selfish – you’ve got to do what’s right for you. You don’t know until you try and if it doesn’t work, at least you tried. 

How important is kit for confidence?

It’s huge – you want to look good and feel comfortable on the start line. Knowing that you look the part gives you that extra boost. You think ‘I feel great, I look great – now let’s go give them my all.’ 

I love running in leotards, but before I race, I need to make sure it doesn’t ride up. You don’t want to be worrying about bits falling out! My one tip to anyone out there is always try on your outfit before you race. If it doesn’t work, try something else.

That’s a great bit of advice. On the morning of a race, do you have any non-negotiable habits?

I’m quite chilled: I like listening to calm music and I don’t like talking – I don’t want any unnecessary talk. Fuel-wise, I always have eggs and porridge for breakfast to get in my protein and carbs, and the day before, I make sure that I drink loads so I’m hydrated – which is especially important for a morning competition. I always get someone to French plait my hair. I love a French plait.

Do you drink coffee to help stay energised?

Yes – I love coffee. I’ve had about five today.

What about alcohol?

Not in season. Off-season, now and again but not often. 

What about sleep? Do you think you get enough of it?

I would love to get eight hours every night, but I probably sleep about seven.

That’s not bad at all! Talk to us about hormones – does your schedule allow for a regular menstrual cycle?

Yes. I tell my coach when I’m on my period – I’m more clumsy and tired, and more prone to injury at that time, so I need to be more careful. I’ve been with my coach for eight years (he’s like a second dad), so we have a very open relationship. I’ll talk to him and we’ll adapt my training, postponing certain sessions. You’ve got to be smart and I track my cycle so know when it’s going to happen. More athletes are speaking out about periods now which is really important; people forget the effect it can have on our bodies.  

Who do you see as the greatest female icon in athletics?

Jessica Ennis-Hill, for sure. Her journey is just amazing and she’s such a nice person. She always makes time to talk to you and I really appreciate that.

Excellent answer. And lastly, if you were to give any advice for women looking to get into athletics, what would you say?

Find what you’re good at – whatever the event might be – and be patient. Don’t give up because you never know where it’ll take you.  

Images: Getty