Jemma Reekie says the “horrendous” disappointment of failing to succeed in final yr’s Olympic 800m ultimate is driving her on within the quest to win a serious international outside medal.
The Scot was ranked on this planet’s prime three within the self-discipline going into the Paris Video games, however didn’t safe a shot at a podium end after putting fifth in her semi-final.
“It nonetheless hurts now however I’ve needed to flip it right into a constructive,” says the 27-year-old, eight months on.
“That have pushed me to be extra wholesome bodily and mentally. I feel it’s going to push me ahead, however it was onerous.
“It was horrendous on the time and it was unhealthy for the entire staff round me, for my household to see it occur, however now we have used it to be like ‘what can we do higher, what can we enhance on from that scenario?’
“It has actually pushed me as an individual, studying new expertise to take care of issues. These items do make us stronger, so hopefully I’m out of the top of that and I can begin getting these medals.”
The Kilbarchan runner has been centered on mindfulness and work-life steadiness as a result of, as she says, “if I’m joyful, I run quick”.
“Most likely the previous six weeks I’ve been within the nicest psychological joyful area that I’ve been in and I feel it’s actually exhibiting in my coaching,” Reekie says.
Reekie, who received 800m silver on the World Indoor Championships final yr, is working onerous to make sure her life off the observe is on level with a view to assist her efficiency on it.
“Bodily, it has been constant. I’m actually wholesome, my restoration is basically good after which mentally I’ve been doing a little breath work,” she provides.
“I’ve actually been prioritising myself outdoors of the game and simply taking care of myself, as a result of as athletes we simply suppose ‘coaching, coaching, coaching’ and we do not consider the issues outdoors of the game – how one can get these one per cents.
“I need to carry out at coaching to my highest capacity – each session I would like it to be superb and generally I get caught in that loop.
“However truly having some issues outdoors the game and having fun with life outdoors the game has introduced my coaching on much more.”
The 2-time Olympian can be constructing her season in direction of the World Championship in Tokyo in September, with Olympic and European champion Keely Hodgkinson very a lot the girl to beat over 800m.
“Keely is a good athlete and actually sturdy,” provides Reekie.
“She is pushing us to study new issues about ourselves, to work more durable, and it’s nice.
“I ran the second-quickest time on this planet final yr, so I’m not one million miles away – and I do know what I’ve received to do to get nearer and nearer.”